DURING the winter months, the air in Lahore becomes almost unbreathable, with thick layers of smog enveloping the city. The health consequences of smog are dire, ranging from respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases to long-term environmental degradation.

The government has failed to enforce strict environmental regulations, allowing factories, brick kilns and vehicles to ope-rate without adhering to emission stan-

dards. Many brick kilns still use outdated technology that produces significant air pollution, even though eco-friendly zigzag technology is available.

Furthermore, the unchecked growth of vehicles in urban areas adds to the pollution. Despite the obvious need for efficient public transportation systems, cities like Lahore lack robust options, forcing residents to rely on private vehicles, which further worsen the air quality. Construction activities in urban centres also go unregulated, with no effective measures to control the dust they generate.

One of the most significant contributors to smog is the burning of crop residue in Punjab, yet the government has done little to address this issue.

Unfortunately, farmers are left with no affordable or practical alternatives, and while burning stubble is illegal, enforc-

ement is almost non-existent. To make matters worse, this is not just a domestic problem as transboundary pollution from Indian Punjab further compounds the situation.

However, the government has failed to engage in meaningful cross-border nego-tiations to tackle this shared challenge.

The lack of investment in renewable energy and clean technology is another major flaw. Pakistan continues to rely heavily on coal-based power plants and fossil fuels, despite their proven impact on air quality.

Additionally, air quality monitoring systems in the country are outdated and sparse, which makes it difficult to measure pollution accurately and take data-driven action. Public awareness campaigns about the causes and effects of smog have also been minimal. The government has failed to prioritise environmental education, leaving the public disengaged from efforts to combat smog.

As such, addressing the crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, including stricter regulations, investment in clean energy, better urban planning, and public engagement. Without decisive action, the health and environmental toll of smog will only worsen, threatening the health and wellbeing of millions, and undermining the economic potential.

Tajammul Shah
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2024