No end to fog, smog in Punjab

ISLAMABAD (APP): Fog with smog is likely to develop in plain areas of Punjab in morning hours during the next 24 hours, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said in forecast on Sunday.

It said forecast mainly dry weather for most parts of the country and partly cloudy for upper parts.

As per the synoptic situation, a shallow westerly wave was present over western parts of the country.

Fog and smog are common phenomena in Punjab, especially in the winter season. Fog is a thick cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere near the earth’s surface, which reduces visibility.

Smog is a type of air pollution that results from the combination of smoke, dust, and other pollutants with fog, which creates a haze that affects health and environment.

The geographical location of Punjab, which is surrounded by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert, creates a low-pressure area that traps moisture and pollutants in the air.

The burning of crop residues, especially rice stubbles, in the neighbouring Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, which releases large amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere.

Wearing mask mandatory for one-week in smog affected districts

The emissions from vehicles, industries, power plants, and brick kilns, which use low-quality fuels and have poor emission standards, which contribute to the formation of smog.

The meteorological conditions, such as low temperature, high humidity, and low wind speed, which prevent the dispersion of pollutants and create favorable conditions for fog and smog formation.

The reduced visibility affects the transportation, aviation, and tourism sectors, and causes road accidents and flight delays.

The health hazards, such as respiratory infections, asthma, bronchitis, eye irritation, and allergies, affect the quality of life and increase the burden on the health system.

The environmental damage, such as reduced crop yield, soil acidification, forest degradation, and biodiversity loss, affect the agricultural and ecological sectors.

Nations, to exchange the data, information, and best practices on smog management.

On the other hand, the provincial government in Punjab has mandated the wearing of face masks for all citizens engaging in outdoor activities in 10 critically affected districts from November 20 to 26..

This directive has been issued in the wake of news regarding increasing smog levels that have engulfed most of Punjab, but particularly the districts around Lahore.

Smog level in Lahore today is still being reported as hazardous with severe air quality issues. Similar observations have come from other districts including Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad, and Mandi Bahuddin, with Air Quality Index (AQI) numbers skyrocketing. This has led to the new set of restrictions.