How to Tackle Smog in Pakistan: Action and Solutions

Tackling the Smog in Pakistan: A Course of Action and Solutions

The phenomenon of smog has reached quite an alarming extent in Pakistan, especially in the cities of Lahore and Multan, Rawalpindi as well as Gujranwala. This thick layer of haze comprises fog and smoke and is extremely perilous for health and life.

In this blog, we will look into some of the effective measures regarding ‘how to tackle smog in Pakistan’ and ways being employed around the world to deal with smog and air pollution and how these can be adopted in Pakistan. These course of actions are required as Lahore has already included in the list of most air polluted cities of the world.

Some Measures to Control Smog in Pakistan:

Use of Catalytic Converters – These devices are fitted in automobiles for reducing the emission of harmful pollutants. They have been proven to be effective in cutting down nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions.

Use of Low-Emission Fuels – To tackle air pollution, it is vital to shift to more environmentally friendly fuels such as low-sulfur fuel and gasoline.

Promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs) – EVs are key in combating tailpipe emissions and reducing air pollution.

Bioremediation – This process involves the use of plants and microorganisms to naturally destroy pollutants from the air. This technique is beneficial for the long-term improvements of the air quality.

Establishing Air Pollution Control/Monitoring systems – This includes the establishment of checkpoints that will track air pollution in real time allowing for stops where set limits are exceeded.

Increasing Urban Green Areas/Planting Urban Forests – Implementation of this strategy is aimed at alleviating air pollution in cities since trees absorb and can filter out some pollutant particles from the air.

Use of Renewable/Alternative Energy – One method of enhancement in air quality is through the utilization of renewable energy sources instead.

Strategies for Pakistan:

#DETOX LAHORE Campaign

This initiative was started by the Punjab government, it seeks to counter the height of the smog pollution in Lahore through well-defined approaches. Such approaches include eco-industrial production practice that industries have to adopt as well as promotion of electric vehicles.

10 Year Sectoral Smog Mitigation Plan

This is a holistic intervention with the aim of lowering the emissions from the industrial, vehicular and agricultural sectors. The plan provides for paying farmers to stop burning stubbles and improve the coverage of public transport within the cities.

Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring:

Advanced technologies will permit the monitoring of pollution levels and verification of compliance with the emission sea targets.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

Provide knowledge to the public about the dangers that come with smog and promote the use of environmentally friendly alternatives like carpooling and public transport.

Legislative support:

Sooner or later it requires the publication of environmental regulations in a way that provides for compliance and penalties for breaching provisions.

Influence on Education

Education and related activities suffer due to the crisis which has been the reason behind the closure of educational institutions in many large urban areas leading to the disruption of students learning and well being.

It is recommended that schools install nourisher in the institution and resorts to the online learning during the periods of extreme smogs. There is also a need for the authorities to engage with the students who were disturbed by such long intervals of getting no education due to the closures.

Tackling smog in Pakistan requires the adoption of a holistic approach that looks at the issue from various dimensions including technological, political, and social. The country should be able to achieve these objectives in order to enhance air quality, safeguard the health of its people, and develop a self-sustaining society.