Lahore, the cultural city of Pakistan, has been declared as the world's most polluted city with an alarming Air Quality Index of 394. However, to curb the impact of smog, the Pakistan Punjab government has planned artificial rain. The AQI is a measure that reflects the concentration of various pollutants in air. An AQI above 100 is classified to be unhealthy while above 150 is termed as "very unhealthy."
Crop residue burning and industrial emissions are what have fueled the smog crisis. The harmful smog has resulted in widespread health issues among the residents of the city, such as coughing, breathing problems, eye irritation, and skin infections.
"Yesterday Lahore was declared the most polluted city in the world. We have taken a number of initiatives to address the matter and now we are planning for artificial rain in the city," Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari told a press conference here on Tuesday.
Apparently, the 'Anti-Smog Squad' is also introduced by the government of Punjab headed by Maryam Nawaz, and it is visiting the smog-affected areas. Smog, the name for a phenomenon combining smoke and fog, is when certain polluting microparticles mix with cold, moist air and hang low in the air, lowering visibility and causing health problems.
These teams will educate farmers on the risks associated with burning crop residues and advocate for the use of super seeders while offering alternative residue disposal methods.
"In 8 to 10 years, the good effects of the measures taken to combat smog will be visible. Environmental protection has been included as a subject in the curriculum in the province," said Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who holds the environment ministry while adding that the government has declared a war on smog. She warned farmers not to burn crop residues, noting that such a practice causes more damage to the crops themselves and all-encompassing detriment to the health of their children.
Early this month, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz appealed for "climate diplomacy" with India to reduce smog effect on the province.
She stressed that both sides should make joint efforts to eliminate smog and added that stubble burning in India's Punjab affects the other side because of air direction. "This issue needs to be taken up with India forthwith," she said. "Obstacles to environmental improvement must be removed. Smog causes breathing difficulties and damages eyesight," the CM said.
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