Lahore has officially been declared the most polluted city in the world, with a concerning Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 394. To tackle the smog issue, the Punjab government is planning to implement artificial rain. The AQI measures pollutant concentrations in the air, and levels above 100 are considered unhealthy, with those over 150 categorized as “very unhealthy.”
The ongoing smog crisis is largely due to burning crop residues and emissions from industries. Many residents are experiencing health problems such as coughing, breathing troubles, eye irritation, and skin infections.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari announced this alarming news at a press conference, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing the situation. As part of their efforts, the Punjab government, led by Maryam Nawaz, has established an ‘Anti-Smog Squad’ to visit areas affected by smog.
Smog, a combination of smoke and fog, occurs when pollutants mix with cold, moist air, reducing visibility and causing health issues. The squads will also educate farmers on the dangers of burning crop residues, advocate for the use of super seeders, and suggest alternative disposal methods.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb noted that the positive effects of these measures might take 8 to 10 years to show. She highlighted that environmental protection is now included in the province’s educational curriculum and declared a war on smog. Aurangzeb urged farmers to refrain from burning crop residues for the sake of their health and that of their children.
Earlier this month, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz called for “climate diplomacy” with India to address the smog problem, stressing that stubble burning in Indian Punjab contributes to the pollution affecting the region. She insisted that this issue needs to be urgently addressed and that barriers to environmental improvement must be eliminated, as smog can lead to breathing difficulties and vision problems.
