Combat zone

LAHORE is struggling with an extreme smog problem that won’t go away, keeping it at the top of the list of most polluted cities in the world. There was so much fog in the city earlier this week that in two places, the Air Quality Index was five times higher than what was considered safe. These figures serve as a sobering reminder of the dangerous air that city dwellers must breathe. Numerous health problems, such as a chronic cough, breathing problems, headaches, and eye irritation, plague vulnerable children and adults in Lahore and are now commonplace. The combustion of crops, industrial pollution, vehicle emissions, and insufficient waste management are the main causes of this crisis. Lahore is being choked by this toxic cocktail, which is evidence of the government’s incapacity to handle this ongoing health crisis. The WHO recommends an average of 10 PM2.5 per year. However, Lahore’s average is an astounding 269, almost 27 times higher than suggested levels. This is a humanitarian catastrophe as well as an environmental one.It is praiseworthy that the Punjab HEC has recommended implementing the Regional Clean Air Incentives Market (RECLAIM) program, which is modeled after the US program. By using a cap-and-trade system, this program has demonstrated its efficacy in reducing emissions and offering a framework that could be adjusted to meet the particular needs of Lahore. But RECLAIM adoption by itself is not a cure-all. Addressing the underlying causes of Lahore’s air pollution is necessary. To cut down on vehicle emissions, strict regulations on industrial emissions, a move toward sustainable farming practices, modernization of every brick kiln—even the last one—and promotion of public transportation are some of the measures that fall under this category. Furthermore, it’s critical to educate the public about the dangers of air pollution to health and how to limit personal exposure. The days of cliches and compromises, such as the chief minister supervising street cleaning, are over. The government needs to take prompt, decisive action. It is unacceptable to let political indifference and bureaucratic inertia compromise the health of Lahore’s population. It is imperative that RECLAIM be put into practice in conjunction with a thorough environmental strategy.The persistent haze enveloping Lahore serves as a sobering reminder of the price of passivity. To guarantee clean air for everybody, the government needs to face facts head-on and act decisively.