Punjab Government Declares Smog Emergency as Air Quality Worsens

Lahore: The Punjab government has declared a state of smog emergency across the province in response to the deteriorating air quality, taking a series of measures aimed at mitigating the smog crisis.

The decision was made at a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was briefed by environmental experts on the severity of the smog situation in the region.

During the meeting, experts emphasized that closing schools and suspending transportation alone would have limited impact in reducing smog. Instead, the government has taken a more proactive step by making it mandatory for all students in public and private schools to wear masks for a period of one month. Chief Minister Naqvi also encouraged the general public to adopt the practice of wearing masks for their own health protection.

To ensure the implementation of the mask policy, the chief minister directed provincial ministers to visit schools and monitor its adherence. Additionally, he issued a stern warning that those who improperly dispose of soil, sand, and debris during construction activities would face legal action.

In a bid to tackle smog at its source, the government issued clear instructions to the commissioner of Lahore division, the municipal department, and the Lahore Waste Management Company to enforce new guidelines aimed at curbing smog.

Furthermore, the government took the decision to withdraw cases against farmers who had been accused of burning crop residues, a significant contributor to smog in Punjab. CM Naqvi instructed the home department to ensure proper disposal of the remaining crop residues and to take strict action against vehicles and factories emitting smoke.

Smog is a dangerous form of air pollution resulting from the reaction of pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with sunlight, forming airborne particles and ground-level ozone. It can lead to respiratory problems, eye irritation, headaches, and reduced visibility, posing a significant threat to public health.

According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the primary sources of air pollutants in Punjab are transport (43%), industry (25%), and agriculture (20%). The report also stressed the need for regional cooperation to address smog, as it is a transboundary issue that affects multiple regions.

The Punjab government’s declaration of a smog emergency underscores the seriousness of the situation and its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its residents. It is a call to action for everyone to take individual and collective responsibility in the fight against smog and its harmful effects.