TNFNew Delhi/TNF
Pakistan has taken a concerning lead over India in an unexpected area: pollution. Lahore, the cultural heart of Pakistan, has been declared the most polluted city in the world, with an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a dangerous level of 394. In response, the Punjab government has proposed a plan for artificial rain to combat the effects of smog.
The AQI measures the concentration of various pollutants in the air. An AQI above 100 is considered “serious,” while anything above 150 is deemed “very serious.” The current smog crisis has been exacerbated by stubble burning and emissions from industries and vehicles.
The hazardous smog has caused widespread health issues among the residents, including coughing, breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and skin infections.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bukhari announced, “Yesterday, Lahore was declared the world’s most polluted city. We have initiated several measures to address this issue, and we are now planning for artificial rain in the city.”
The government led by Maryam Nawaz has also launched an “Anti-Smog Squad” to visit areas heavily affected by smog.
Long-Term Solutions Needed
Smog occurs when fog and smoke mix together, a phenomenon that happens when fine particulate pollutants combine with cool, moist air and settle closer to the ground, reducing visibility and causing health problems.
The Anti-Smog Squad will educate farmers about the dangers of burning crop residues, promote the use of super seeders, and offer alternative methods for waste disposal.
Maryam Aurangzeb, a senior minister handling the environmental ministry, stated, “The positive impact of measures taken to combat smog will be visible in 8 to 10 years. Environmental protection has been included as a subject in school curricula in the province.” She declared that the government has initiated a war against smog.
Seeking Cooperation with India
The government is also appealing to farmers not to burn stubble, emphasizing that this practice harms not only crops but also the health of their children.
Earlier this month, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz called for “climate diplomacy” with India to mitigate the impact of smog in the province. She highlighted the need for joint efforts to tackle the issue, pointing out that stubble burning in India’s Punjab affects air quality across the border due to wind patterns. She stressed the urgency of addressing this matter with India.
The Chief Minister added, “Barriers to environmental reform must be removed. Smog makes it difficult to breathe and can damage eyesight.”
