Causes:
- Stubble Burning: Farmers in both Pakistan and neighboring India burn crop stubble after harvest to clear fields for the next planting season. This practice releases large amounts of smoke and pollutants into the air.
- Industrial Emissions: Factories and brick kilns emit significant amounts of pollutants, especially those using low-grade fuels.
- Vehicle Emissions: Many vehicles, many of which use diesel fuel, contribute to air pollution.
- Urbanization: Rapid development in cities like Lahore has led to reduced green spaces, creating “heat islands” that exacerbate air quality issues.
- Landfill Sites: Methane emissions from poorly managed landfill sites near populated areas also contribute to the smog.
Effects:
- Health Crisis: The smog has led to a surge in respiratory illnesses, including asthma, eye irritation, and other pollution-related conditions. Hospitals are overwhelmed with cases.
- Emergency Measures: Schools, parks, and public areas have been closed in several districts to protect residents.
- Environmental Impact: The dense smog has forced the government to implement emergency measures and consider long-term strategies to address the pollution crisis.
- Economic Impact: The smog crisis affects daily life, leading to closures and disruptions in various sectors.
Efforts are being made to address the issue, including discussions with Indian officials to tackle the cross-border pollution problem.
It’s a challenging situation, but with coordinated efforts, there’s hope for improvement. How do you feel about the measures being taken to combat the smog?