Citizens contend with smog amidst intermittent corrective actions
Smog continues to prevail in several regions of Punjab, particularly Lahore, which was ranked as the second most polluted city globally on Friday.
On Friday, the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) was documented at 209. The temperature was 253 at Syed Maratab Ali Road in Gulberg, 247 at Johar Town, and 29 at DHA.
Lahore and its surrounding regions have seen persistent haze for the past week, with officials attributing the pollution to emissions from New Delhi, which is also among the most severely affected cities globally.
In the last week, the AQI in Lahore varied, exceeding the highly hazardous threshold of 700 in numerous areas, which led the Punjab government to alter school schedules and mandate the wearing of masks.
NO TOLERANCE FOR POLLUTING INDUSTRIES
In a written ruling issued at a case hearing on Thursday, the Lahore High Court mandated the demolition of industries emitting smoke.
Justice Shahid Karim, who has been consistently providing directions to mitigate smog, issued the decision in response to a petition from residents, including Haroon Farooq.
The court mandated rigorous measures against those engaged in the incineration of agricultural residues or rubbish from residential and commercial properties.
On Wednesday, the Punjab Environment Department implemented a significant “green lockdown” in certain areas of Lahore to address smog issues.
The department announced a lockdown for Davies Road, Egerton Road, Durand Road, Kashmir Road, and the regions extending from Shimla Pahari to Gulshan Cinema and Abbott Road.
Furthermore, the region extending from Shimla Pahari to the railway station and Empress Road has been designated as hotspots, while Queen Mary Road and its vicinity have been identified as polluted areas.
Traffic wardens were stationed on these roads to prevent three-wheelers and vehicles spewing smoke from accessing ‘hotspots’.
CLIMATE DIPLOMACY
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the necessity of ‘climate diplomacy’ with India to address the issue of smog.
During a Diwali function in Lahore, she stated that Pakistan must engage in diplomacy with India to combat smog.
I am contemplating composing a letter to the Chief Minister of Indian Punjab. She stated, “This is not merely a political matter but a humanitarian concern.”
“Winds are oblivious to the existence of borders,” she stated.
HEALTH EMERGENCY AND RECOMMENDATION
Numerous hospitals in the city reported a rising incidence of respiratory and related ailments.
Medical professionals have recommended that individuals take care to prevent influenza, skin allergies, ocular discomfort, and similar ailments.
Environmental specialists assert that the utilization of inferior fuels, such as plastic and rubber, particularly in the cottage industry along Bund Road, substantially exacerbates the declining air quality.
A prohibition on the use of fireworks in Lahore has been enacted until January 31, 2025.