Pakistan Attributes Lahore’s Severe Smog to Indian Winds, Calls for Collaborative Efforts
On November 4, 2024, Pakistan attributed the severe smog in Lahore to winds from India, calling for urgent action. The city’s air quality index soared to hazardous levels, impacting the health of its residents, particularly vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. Punjab officials are seeking cross-border cooperation with India to address this growing air pollution crisis.
On November 4, 2024, Pakistani officials accused India of contributing to the severe smog enveloping Lahore, as the city’s air quality index reached alarming levels over the preceding weekend. The Punjab province, where Lahore is located, has been particularly affected, with air quality deteriorating since last month, resulting in health issues for many residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The Punjab Environment Protection Department reported that the levels of PM 2.5 particles surged to nearly 450, categorizing the air as hazardous. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari publicly urged Indian authorities to address this issue urgently, asserting, “The wind direction brings air from India into Pakistan, yet India does not seem to be taking this problem as seriously as it should.” She highlighted that Delhi currently has the most severe smog levels, followed closely by Lahore, with air quality indices of approximately 393 and 280, respectively. In response to the escalating crisis, Punjab’s senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that the provincial government would advocate for the Pakistan Foreign Office to engage with India regarding cross-border air pollution. She noted the specific role of easterly winds from Amritsar and Chandigarh in exacerbating Lahore’s air quality, which has reportedly peaked over 1,000 in the last two days. Thus far, the government has taken steps to protect public health by closing primary schools in Lahore for a week due to the alarming smog levels, while institutions for special-needs children have remained closed for three months. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also indicated her intention to initiate climate diplomacy, seeking collaboration with her counterpart in Indian Punjab to address this pressing environmental challenge. Historically, Lahore was renowned as a city of gardens, reminiscent of its Mughal-era greenery. Unfortunately, rapid urban expansion and population growth have significantly diminished the city’s green spaces, contributing to the current crisis.
The worsening air quality in Lahore has become a significant public health concern, especially since the onset of smog season in the region. This environmental issue has drawn attention to the transboundary nature of air pollution in South Asia, with seasonal winds causing pollutants from one country to affect air quality in neighboring nations. The situation in Lahore has become increasingly dire, necessitating urgent responses from government authorities and cross-border collaboration to mitigate such environmental challenges.
In conclusion, the escalation of smog in Lahore, attributed to cross-border air pollution from India, raises critical questions about air quality management and environmental cooperation between neighboring countries. The unprecedented air quality levels pose serious health risks, prompting both governmental action and public caution. Continued dialogue and collaboration will be essential to combat this pressing issue and protect the health of residents in affected regions.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
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