Battling smog: Punjab aims to clear the air before toxic season hits

LAHORE: Punjab’s smog season is fast approaching. Every year, thousands of people suffer from illnesses such as colds, coughs, sore throats, respiratory issues, and eye irritation due to the hazardous air. The toxic season typically begins in October and continues until the end of December.

According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), a key measure of air pollution, the life expectancy of residents in Lahore and surrounding areas is reduced by up to seven years due to the high levels of air pollution. Doctors advise that children and the elderly are most vulnerable and should stay indoors when smog levels peak.

Each year, the government implements a range of measures to combat the smog. In recent years, the situation has become so severe that health emergencies have been declared in several districts of Punjab. Schools are often closed to protect children from harmful air conditions. Last year, after declaring smog a disaster, the government announced a four-day closure in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana, Kasur, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, and Narowal.

This year, the Punjab government has launched a series of proactive steps to address the looming smog crisis. Anti-smog teams are already at work, and modern technology is being employed. The province’s first satellite-linked environmental monitoring system, using drones, has begun operations. Raids have also been conducted to enforce environmental laws and curb harmful emissions.

The Environment Department, utilizing drone technology, has identified factories that violate environmental regulations by emitting excessive smoke. In one operation, two factories on Sheikhupura Road, Gujranwala were raided by the department in collaboration with the district administration, and both were subsequently sealed.

Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb commended the Environment Department and the district administration for their efforts. She stated that, following directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the preemptive campaign would intensify ahead of the smog season.

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She emphasized the urgency of addressing the root causes of smog, which is responsible for the deaths of 250,000 people each year. Minister Aurangzeb appealed to all citizens of Punjab to contribute to the fight against smog, a menace that has already claimed the lives of over 250,000 people.