Since last 5 years, every year, during October and November, huge toxic smog rises over major cities of Pakistan, imposing significant health, social and economic costs. Punjab, being most populous province is highly affected by this poisonous smog.
According to IQAir, a company that provides air quality information and air filtration systems: The air quality index in Punjab surpassed 1,000 multiple times in the past week. Moreover, in Multan, on monday, PM2.5 levels were more than 110 times higher than safe levels set by the WHO. PM2.5 partocles travels through the lungs reaching bloodstream, which can cause asthma, lung diseases and heart problems.
Moreover, The schools and educational institutes have been ordered to close for few days and restrictions in outdoor activities are imposed. These short-term actions raise questions about the credibility of government officials. The issue is smog, not the people government must understand.
Moreover, farmers are being highly blamed for crop burning because it produce toxic gases according to government. But crop burning has been practiced for centuries, and this problem has been risen in the last few years. The major contributors to smog are the transport sector and brick-making industry, both of which emit poisonous gases in large amounts.
However, restrictions to keep people at home will not work; the government should look for long term-solutions. The long-term solutions are, firstly, renewable energy investment. Increasing of solar, wind and hydroelectric power. Secondly, improving public transportation. Expanding public buses and metros that run on electric power can reduce air pollution from vehicles. Lastly, urban planning, which has been neglected in many cities, needs to be prioritized. Parks, tree planting and green spaces will help in the reduction of air pollution.
Every year millions of people die from air pollution. Government must take long-term initiatives to address this problem. Otherwise, the country will face serious social, economic and health challenges.