Lahore is the second largest city, growing at the rate of 4% annually and the most polluted city of Pakistan. Following the pattern of last year, Lahore has been engulfed by the toxic and disturbing smog which has proven to be hazardous not only to the lungs but also to the naked eye. Despite the rain or windstorm it is persistently irritating the eyes, lungs and throats of many. Moreover, it is contributing to the green house gases, a major reason of the global warming.
Smog has now been considered the “fifth season” of Pakistan by The New York Times. The air pollution in Delhi had created some major headlines, however; it is believed that Lahore is now competing with Delhi in toxicity. This heavy blanket of smog has taken a toll on the health of the citizens of Lahore. The exorbitant use of automobiles, burning of crops, combustion of fuels, failures at the power grids, unbounded deforestation, diligent urbanization and pertinacious growth of industries has greatly contributed to this dangerous situation over the years.
Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI) reported that Lahore has the worst air quality and there were only two days of good air quality in 2017. According to the statistics by the air monitor, there is an alarming level of air pollution in all the major cities of Pakistan, however; Lahore is exceeding them all by passing safety limit by nine times. The data provided by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) portrays that the levels of ambient particulate matter in Lahore, exceeds the limit provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Smog and the air pollution in Lahore accounts for rapid sprout in fatal health issues such as; asthma, eye infections, allergies, cardiac diseases, respiratory infections and even premature death. A higher level of systolic and diastolic blood pressure has been detected in school going children. These disturbing observations have highlighted long term nocuous effects on the health of the public.
Given the damages of smog and air pollution, it is imperative that strict measures should be taken for a better quality of air to breathe in. Most of the organizations are unable to bring any reforms due to the lack of specialized equipment, trained staff, standardized protocols and funds.
The government should start with allocating funds, hold afforestation programs and switch to renewable resources to reduce the injurious effects and economic burden by air pollution. The public needs to be aware on the matters so that they can protect and prevent from any hazardous health problems to the most of their abilities.
Lahore needs a pure, clean and fresh air to breathe in.