ISLAMABAD: Amid growing concerns over deteriorating air quality in Islamabad, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam on Wednesday instructed the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (PAk-EPA) to take immediate measures.

The official emphasised the need for collaboration between the Pak-EPA and key stakeholders, including the Islamabad Capital Territory administration and Capital Development Authority (CDA) to tackle escalating air pollution.

A press release from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination noted that Islamabad’s air quality had significantly worsened since mid-October.

The rising pollution, combined with dust and vehicular emissions, had heightened the risk of smog in the capital.

Romina Alam highlighted that the main culprits were vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust and the open burning of waste and crop residue.

PM’s aide stresses importance of strict enforcement of environmental regulations, imposition of fines

To combat the crisis, Romina Alam stressed the importance of strict enforcement of environmental regulations and the imposition of fines for violations.

She also called for better waste management practices and public awareness campaigns to curb pollution. Residents were urged to refrain from burning waste and crop residues, while waste collection authorities were instructed to ensure timely and environmentally sound waste disposal.

The Pak-EPA stated that air quality monitoring was ongoing, using mobile stations and low-cost sensors across Islamabad.

These efforts focused on key pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, and carbon dioxide (CO2), along with temperature and humidity measurements. Recent findings revealed PM2.5 levels between 55.25 and 66.5 per cubic meter air (ug/m³), and PM10 levels ranging from 58 to 74.1 ug/m³. CO2 concentrations were recorded between 528.25 and 577.5 parts per million (PPM), while temperatures ranged from 27.25 degrees centigrade to 30.5 degrees centigrade, and relative humidity levels were between 36.5 percent and 40.83 percent.

According to a senior Pak-EPA official, the calculated Air Quality Index (AQI) indicated that PM2.5 and PM10 levels fell within the moderate range, posing risks primarily to sensitive groups like the elderly and those with respiratory issues. The official stressed the urgent need to address these levels to protect public health.

In a recent effort, Pak-EPA’s Environmental Monitoring Team (EMT) conducted an inspection of heavy vehicles at the Mandi Morr entry point, in collaboration with the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP). Using the Ringelmann scale, the team measured smoke emissions from diesel-fueled heavy vehicles and assessed noise levels. Out of 50 vehicles inspected, 36 were fined for exceeding the permissible limits set by the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS).

According to MoCC the CDA’s ongoing construction projects, including the widening of Park Road and IJP Road, as well as the construction of new flyovers, were contributing to increased traffic congestion and air pollution. The Pak-EPA had urged relevant authorities to implement measures to mitigate emissions and control dust pollution from these projects.

PM’s aide called on all relevant government departments to collaborate with Pak-EPA to enforce stricter emissions standards, promote cleaner transportation options, and raise public awareness about the health impacts of pollution.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2024