Lahore chokes as smog engulfs city

Citizens of Lahore are currently facing breathing problems, throat infections, as well as eyes and nose irritation due to heavy smog from last two days.

The Punjab Assembly passed the Environment Protection (Amendment) Bill 2017 on Wednesday, for taking remedial measures against smog and ensuring a clean environment in the city. Smog has again engulfed Lahore this year, as citizens complain of eye and respiratory problems. This is the second time that Lahore has been in this situation of air pollution.

Smog is the result of atmospheric pollutants or gases, which are formed when fuels are burnt. When sunlight reacts with these fuels, smog is formed.

Due to inadequate visibility, commuters have been unable to leave in the early hours of the day. The citizens have been unable to drive or walk on streets as the thick pollutant smog covers the sky blocking out the sun. Due to this smog, the life of people in Lahore is in havoc.

People have been sharing precautions to take before going out in sun.

According to Chief Meteorologist Mohammad Riaz, reason for smog in Lahore can be the smoke from factories, vehicles and the burning the remains of crops.  According to the recent census, Lahore is the second largest city of Pakistan with a population in excess of 11 million. Air quality in Lahore has been higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) ascribed safe limits.

A recent report by the Lancet Commission identifies pollution which includes air pollution, as an environment culprit responsible for premature deaths and diseases especially in rapidly industrializing countries like Pakistan, India, China and Bangladesh.

Punjab Environment Protection Department (EPD) Director Naseemur Rehman Shah said, “A comprehensive smog policy approved by the Punjab Environment Protection Council is being implemented. The department is taking short-term and long-term measures in this regard,” local media reported.