THIS is with reference to the report ‘Punjab to reach out to India as Lahore chokes’ (Nov 4). The Punjab capital is grappling with one of the worst enviro-nmental crises in its history, repeatedly being ranked among the most polluted cities globally. On the Air Quality Index (AQI), Lahore has been consistently registering hazardous levels, surpassing major metropolitan cities, like New Delhi across the border. The air quality is at its worst between 11pm and 5am, rendering even routine activities hazardous. For the city’s youngest residents, the rising pollution spells a particularly grave risk, as exposure can impair their long-term health and physical development.

The most significant contributor to the crisis is the seasonal burning of crop stubble in agricultural areas close to the city. This practice releases large quantities of particulate matter and harmful gases, worsening the air quality across Lahore and other parts of Punjab.

While farmers often rely on burning stubble as a cost-effective means of clearing land, alternative methods, such as mechanised mulching, and government subsidies could help transition away from this damaging practice.

Among the other drivers of Lahore’s deteriorating air quality is unchecked urbanisation, with sprawling housing societies approved without consideration of their environmental impact. These rapidly expanding developments continue to draw people from across Pakistan, yet the city lacks the infrastructure to accom-modate this influx in even a remotely sustainable manner.

The strain on Lahore’s resources has been catastrophic; its air quality is deter-iorating, green spaces are vanishing, and resources are becoming increasingly strained.

Vehicular emissions represent another critical factor contributing to Lahore’s toxic air. A staggering number of smoke-emitting vehicles enter and exit the city daily, worsening the pollution level.

To combat this, stricter controls are needed, especially during winters. Traffic restrictions should include barring high-emission vehicles from entering the city, and enforcing tighter emission standards. A sustainable transit system with cleaner public transportation options would also help alleviate the city’s pollution problem.

The government recently established an 11-member Environmental Protection Committee to address Lahore’s escalating pollution levels. While this is a positive step, much depends on the committee’s ability to enforce regulations.

Moreover, the committee should propose heavy fines for industries violating poll-ution controls, and enforce stricter ope-rational hours for factories.

Additionally, shifting high-emission industries away from Lahore’s peripheries could significantly improve the air quality. However, mere policy proposals will not suffice; effective implementation and regular monitoring are crucial to preventing the city from succumbing further to environmental degradation.

Mahnoor Nosherwan
Lahore

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2024