Daily Times

Access to safe air is a basic human need. Lahore is suffering from air pollution throughout the year. However, its worst effects can be seen in the formation of a new season called “Smog Season” between October and January. Lahore is surrounded by numerous things: eight thermal power plants, hundreds of brick kilns, thousands of vehicles and several industrial plants. All these serve as pollution generators all year. Lahore is not the only one suffering from air pollution. Delhi and Tehran are also facing this problem.

In Pakistan, due to the lack of interest and less understanding of the environmental sector, Air Quality is a relatively new dimension. This is why we don’t have a lot of research and nill development in making the environment better. The previous governments had failed to understand the problem and prescribe any solution. Recently, Prime Minister Khan had put a lot of focus on improving the air quality in Lahore. Beijing has recovered from the air quality problem after more than a decade; reflecting it as a slow, gradual and a long process.

In a country like Pakistan, it is the job of the government to make sure the people are getting their basic needs. Access to safe air quality is a basic human need. The poor air quality will eventually lead to fatigue, headaches, irritations and discomfort. This may cause several lung problems. In the last four years, smog is called the fifth season of Lahore. It is evident from October 2016 to January 2016 that people, especially children and patients, are usually forbidden to move outside unless it is necessary. Various toxic gases enwrapped the whole Lahore; making it difficult to breathe and work outside.

Lahore is considered one of the most populated cities in the world. The rate of migration in Lahore is so high that it had expanded four times the size it had two decades back. Migration not only brings more people, but also brings more vehicles and more pollution, either in the form of noise or in the form of air. This air pollution is expected to cause over seven million premature deaths around the world this year. It will have a major impact on the global economy in the future. The University of Chicago’s AQLI calculates that citizens of Lahore would gain 5.1 years of life expectancy if the WHO air quality guidelines are met.

Smog is caused by various air pollutants stuck in the air making a per cubic metre concentration of air denser. The US AQI deems a PM2.5 concentration of 60 micrograms per cubic metre in the air as “unhealthy.”

We have caused huge damage to our environment by burning the low-grade fuel and crop residue along with the general waste on roadsides. Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless but a highly poisonous gas when it gets mixed with sulphur and other dust particles

In Lahore, the AQI had reached around 300+, which is considered a hazardous level. Several causes include brick kilns. It is estimated that around 1,000 bricks baked in coal-fired kilns pollute at least an area of two kilometres with toxic smoke. However, it is suggested that by using zigzag technology, this air pollution could be reduced up to 40 per cent. Also, the burning of stubs of crops and the smoke emitting from vehicles cause the particles, which get stagnant in the air.

It is important to understand the situation before accusing someone of this air pollution. India is not completely responsible for this smog. We have caused huge damage to our environment by burning the low-grade fuel and crop residue along with the general waste on roadsides. Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless but a highly poisonous gas when it gets mixed with sulphur and other dust particles.

CO is, primarily, an outcome of incomplete combustion in fossil fuel engines. It is evident from past research that poor fuel quality has played a very drastically damaging role in cleaning the air. Fuel quality impacts the power industry. However, keeping the check on this quality is significant. Furnace oil used to produce power in thermal power plants can have a sulphur content of up to three per cent. Unfortunately, Lahore is surrounded by at least eight thermal power plants including, Sahiwal Coal Power Plant, which use coal.

Diesel engines are also the leading cause of air pollution. Pakistan adopted the Pak-2 fuel-quality standards (equivalent to Euro-2) in 1998, but uniformity in implementation has never been evaluated. Euro-2 diesel is known to contain 500 ppm of sulphur. Countries around the world are currently moving towards Euro-5 and Euro-6 standards. The current situation of pollution, not only in Lahore but also in other cities of Pakistan, will eventually force the government to adopt better standards soon.

Just like Pakistan, India and Iran have also reached hazardous conditions; ultimately closing schools and restraining people from unnecessary outdoor activities. Beijing was also in this list having the highest AQI almost more than a decade ago, but the policies were made and structure to attain a better quality air [6].

Prime Minister Imran Khan had put a lot of focus on the environment and climate change as was reflected even from his UNGA speech. His team is also determined as recently with the help of the World Bank, the government launched a programme to address the air quality issue. The prime minister is heading towards “smog-free” Lahore, which needs patience and understanding along with the proper implementation of policies on a large scale. Improving the fuel quality, planting trees and using advance scrubber will gradually improve the air quality.

Poor air quality might not seem like a big problem but it is a gradual and slow process. We have seen countries like China recovering from it by taking a series of measures. Beijing was at a hazardous situation once but now it is the other way around as it has adopted systematic and intensive measures for air pollution control. By the end of 2017, fine particulate pollution fell by 35 per cent, which is an achievement. This reduction came from measures to control coal-fired boilers, providing cleaner domestic fuels and industrial restructuring. Over this period, the annual emissions of Sulfur Dioxide decreased by 83 per cent.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has also pointed this out during his last visit in Lahore on November 30. He explained the importance of planting trees and the worsening effects of cutting 70 per cent of trees in Lahore. Considering the life-threatening condition in Lahore, he said five decisions had been taken to avert the pollution crisis gradually in the next three years. Import of Euro-4 oil could guarantee lessens air pollution. The government will start converting buses on CNG from 2020 onwards. Oil refineries would be given three years to improve their technologies for a better refining process. Loans will be offered to convert kilns on the zigzag technology and lastly to import machinery that would uproot the crops residue and plant more trees in Lahore.

We can also take actions individually; using carpooling or hybrid cars. We can stop burning waste materials and focus on planting more trees. In a short run to combat irritation, headaches and discomfort, wear recommended masks and only go outside when it is highly necessary for the smog condition.

The writer is a student of BS Business studies at Forman Christian College