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Lahore's Smog Crisis: An Urgent Call for Action:
For over a week now, Lahore, a bustling city of around 13 million people, has been enduring severe smog conditions. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently exceeded 1,000—a level considered hazardous and far above the safe threshold of 300 for both humans and animals. This isn’t the first time Lahore has struggled with smog, but this year, pollution levels are noticeably higher.
Pakistani authorities have implemented emergency measures to protect the public:
In response, Pakistani authorities have implemented emergency measures to protect the public. Schools are closed, people are encouraged to work from home, and citizens are urged to stay indoors. Under a “green lockdown,” neighborhoods with particularly high air pollution levels are under strict restrictions. Large vehicles, motorbikes, and auto-rickshaws are limited, and the Lahore High Court has ordered marketplaces to close by 8 p.m., with Sunday as a mandatory off day. Parks and public spaces, including the zoo, are temporarily closed until November 17.
Effect of Smog:
The effects of the smog are evident across the city. Hospitals are filled with patients suffering from respiratory problems, as doctors brace for an influx of people affected by the air pollution. Dr. Irfan Malik from one of Lahore’s largest hospitals reports a rise in cases of asthma, sore throats, and persistent coughs. According to Pakistani environmental experts, up to 30% of Lahore’s smog is due to crop burning in neighboring India, while the remaining pollution is generated locally from vehicles, factories, and brick kilns that operate on coal.
NASA scientists are warning that the current situation is just the beginning of what could become a much worse air pollution crisis in the coming weeks. Pawan Gupta, a researcher at NASA, explains that pollution in the region tends to peak between November and December. In fact, satellite images reveal thick clouds of smog stretching across Lahore, Delhi, and other cities in the region. Just six weeks ago, the skies were clearer, but recent satellite images show a surge in fire hotspots—fires intentionally set by farmers in both Pakistan and India to quickly clear land for the next crop season. These fires, combined with local pollution, are major contributors to the worsening air quality.
Cold winds from the Tibetan mountains descend:
The problem becomes even more severe as the year ends. Cold winds from the Tibetan mountains descend, trapping the smoke and pollutants over Lahore, creating a hazardous environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers an AQI reading of 50 as safe; anything above 300 is considered dangerous. In some parts of Lahore, AQI readings have climbed well over 1,000. One Thursday, a neighborhood recorded an astonishing AQI reading of 1,917. Local media recently reported that more than 900 patients were admitted to hospitals with breathing difficulties, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
Green Lockdown:
The worsening smog has pushed authorities to take drastic steps, yet many citizens feel that these measures fall short. Saadia Kashif, a mother from Lahore, told the BBC that she worries constantly about her children’s health and wishes they could play outside without fear of air pollution. She expressed her concerns about the government’s “green lockdown” and the impact it has on daily life. While closing schools and limiting outdoor activities may offer short-term relief, Saadia believes that more comprehensive solutions are needed.
Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz:
Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, has proposed a regional collaboration with the Chief Minister of India’s Punjab state to address this shared environmental crisis. This plan, described as “environmental diplomacy,” could provide a path toward cooperative efforts to control pollution across borders. However, Indian officials have stated that Pakistan has not yet formally reached out to discuss the issue. While the idea of regional collaboration is promising, it is clear that long-term solutions will require more than just diplomatic dialogue.
Air Quality Initiative:
Abid Omar, the founder of Pakistan’s Air Quality Initiative, emphasizes that environmental pollution is not a seasonal problem it’s a year-round issue. He points out that while winter may bring the smog into sharper focus, pollution is a constant in cities like Lahore. Vehicle emissions, factory pollution, and outdated public transportation systems all contribute to a toxic atmosphere that residents breathe every day.
Smog crisis in Lahore underlines:
The smog crisis in Lahore underlines the urgent need for both Pakistan and India to commit to sustainable solutions for cleaner air. Crop burning, industrial emissions, and traffic pollution all contribute to the problem, yet addressing these issues is challenging without comprehensive policies and regional cooperation. For now, local restrictions and emergency measures may offer some relief, but meaningful progress will require long-term planning and commitment from governments, industries, and communities alike.
Air Quality Index worsen each winter:
As air quality continues to worsen each winter, this issue demands immediate and collaborative action. Until both countries work together on sustainable solutions, millions of people across the region will continue to suffer from the dangerous effects of polluted air. It’s time to recognize that this is not just a temporary problem but a serious threat to public health and quality of life. For the people of Lahore, clean air is not just a necessity it’s a right that requires urgent protection.
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