Daily Times

It has now almost been a decade that the toxic air of Lahore has become a permanent resident for almost four months every year. T

he toxicity has now spread to densely populated districts across central Punjab. The price is obvious: there is a surge in respiratory issues, particularly affecting the nose, throat and ears. The Punjab government has proposed diplomatic talks with India to address the issue. The source of the smog is believed to be eastern Punjab, India, where farmers are burning crop residues.

But both Punjabs have been burning crops residues for decades the issue has escalated this time. We are told that prevailing winds blowing from the east carry this toxic smoke into Pakistan, with Lahore being the first recipient. The news that Lahore tops the global air quality index is an everyday front page news. The smog’s impact is not confined to Lahore alone; the densely populated areas of southern Punjab have also been severely affected. Even in India, from eastern Punjab to West Bengal, cities like Delhi and Kolkata have been ranked second and third for the worst air quality globally, as smog continues to wreak havoc across the region.

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of smog. The Punjab government has issued advisories for them to stay indoors. Primary schools in Lahore have been closed for a week, with the possibility of an extension. The pollution also threatens animals and could even disrupt the power grid. To mitigate the impact, the provincial government has implemented short- and medium-term measures, including a ‘Green Lockdown,’ and warned of arrests and fines for those violating safety precautions.

Diplomacy is often is slow, and ineffective. Unless India is approached, there is a lot which we can do. This is a collective cause to fight smog. Farmers should burn crop residues; the general public should stay indoors unless absolutely necessary; workers should be encouraged to work from home, and a mask-wearing mandate should be enforced. The Punjab government has acquired technology to conduct artificial rainfall, which could be deployed if needed. The Environmental Protection Agency is working on a war footing, and a war room has been established to tackle the crisis. *