In an apparent bid to counter public criticism of inaction over this year’s worsening air quality in Punjab, the provincial government has revealed a comprehensive roadmap for tackling the threat, particularly in Lahore and other major urban centers.
Outlining steps taken to mitigate smog from January through October, the plan’s effectiveness—or lack thereof—can be gauged from Lahore and Multan surpassing an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 1,000 against the 300 beyond which the atmosphere is deemed “hazardous” for public health. Both cities have recorded AQIs indicating they are among the most polluted in the world, with the air pollution showing no signs of abating. Yet, the government asserts it is working to alleviate the threat.
According to the report, Roadmap for Smog Mitigation in Punjab (2024-25), Punjab is home to nearly 128 million people and contributes over half of Pakistan’s GDP. Lahore, the provincial capital, has seen its AQI frequently surpass hazardous levels, especially during peak smog months from October to January. Factors such as vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and stubble burning (setting fire to the crop residue left behind after harvesting, particularly of rice and wheat fields) contribute to the deteriorating air quality, exacerbated by climate-induced temperature inversions that trap pollutants close to the ground.
What causes smog?
The government’s report highlights that the transport sector is the largest contributor to Punjab’s emissions, accounting for 39%, followed by industry (24%), energy (16%), and agriculture (11%). Of the remaining 10%, 9% is credited to non-combustion industrial processes and 1% to others. The emission load in Punjab has risen sharply, with 2020 levels estimated at over 7,000 kilotons annually—more than three times the levels recorded in 1990.
To tackle the threat, reads the report, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has undertaken several sector-specific measures since assuming office in February.
For the agriculture sector, the government sought to curb stubble burning by distributing subsidized machinery like Super Seeders and Rice Straw Shredders to farmers. It said volunteers would be appointed to monitor hotspots, while quick response centers would be set up in districts along the Lahore-Islamabad motorway to address incidents swiftly.
The transport sector’s pollution, it said, would be tackled by shifting to a “green” mass transit system. This would focus on introducing electric buses and e-bikes, with 27 electric buses already approved for Lahore. There would also be stricter enforcement of vehicle emissions standards, including the use of gas analyzers at traffic intersections.
For the industrial sector, the government claimed it had intensified its crackdown on polluting industries, particularly brick kilns, by mandating the use of Zigzag technology. Live CCTV monitoring of industrial emissions has been implemented, along with drone surveillance to ensure compliance.
With rising respiratory illnesses linked to air pollution, the health sector is being mobilized to provide dedicated smog counters and isolation rooms in hospitals. The government is also prioritizing vaccinations and public health advisories to mitigate the impact of poor air quality.
Awareness and education
To foster environmental responsibility, the government has introduced the Mera Punjab Smog-Free Internship Program to engage youth in environmental campaigns. Schools are also being encouraged to integrate smog awareness into their curricula.
According to the report, the government has undertaken several steps to address smog during the past 10 months. It claims to have demolished 117 air-polluting industries, sealed another 594, and imposed fines of Rs. 70 million. Similarly, it claims to have demolished 240 polluting brick kilns, sealed another 1,012 and imposed fines amounting to Rs. 89 million. Per the report, over 95% of brick kilns in Punjab now utilize the zigzag technique.
For smoke-emitting vehicles, the largest emitters by percentage, the government has penalized 18,069 vehicles; impounded 13,678; and imposed fines of Rs. 32 million. It further claims to have sealed 26 under-construction sites to reduce “fugitive dust,” and asserts that 36 million trees have been planted across Punjab from March-October, of which 4.8 million are in Lahore.
Looking forward
The roadmap, part of Punjab’s broader Climate Resilient Vision 2024, emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach involving various sectors and stakeholders. The government has launched digital tools, including the Green Punjab App and Eco Watch App, to enhance citizen engagement in reporting environmental hazards.
As smog continues to pose a significant challenge to public health and economic productivity in Punjab, the government states it is committed to implementing these measures to ensure cleaner air and a healthier future for its citizens.