Lahore to have air quality monitoring system with Chinese assistance

By Shafiq Sharif

LAHORE: The Punjab government has signed an agreement with Chinese environmental experts to tackle the persistent problem of smog and improve the air quality in Lahore.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Consul General of China Zhao Shireen, where they discussed various aspects of mutual cooperation to address the smog crisis.

According to the agreement, the Punjab government will seek technical assistance from the Beijing Academy of Science and Technology to set up an air quality monitoring network in Lahore.

The network will consist of 20 stations that will measure the levels of various air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO). The data collected by the network will be used to devise effective strategies to reduce air pollution and enhance public health.

The agreement is part of the Punjab government’s efforts to combat smog, which has become a major environmental and health hazard in the province, especially during the winter season.

Smog is a thick layer of polluted air that reduces visibility and causes respiratory problems, eye irritation, and skin allergies.

One of the main causes of smog in Lahore is the burning of crop residues on a large scale in the neighboring Indian states of Punjab and Haryana¹. Other sources include vehicular emissions, industrial activities, brick kilns, and biomass burning².

Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the need for a long-term policy to combat smog and said that the Punjab government was taking various steps to mitigate its impact. He mentioned that the government had imposed a ban on crop burning, introduced cleaner fuels, enforced emission standards, and promoted public transport.

He also highlighted the establishment of a tourist police force in Punjab, following China’s example, to ensure the safety and security of visitors.

The Chinese consul general appreciated the Punjab government’s initiatives to curb smog and expressed his willingness to cooperate in other areas as well.

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He said that China had successfully tackled its own smog problem by implementing strict measures and investing in green technologies. He also suggested that the Punjab government should contact the Chinese government to bring a panda to Lahore’s zoo, as a symbol of friendship and goodwill between the two countries.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing their hope that the collaborative effort to monitor and improve air quality in Lahore would yield positive results and benefit both the people and the environment. They also agreed to continue their dialogue and exchange of experiences on various issues of mutual interest.