Islamabad: The pollution situation in Pakistan‘s Punjab province has become very serious. Especially the smog spread in Lahore, a city adjacent to India, has made life difficult for common people. In view of this, the Maryam Nawaz government of Punjab has asked the Central Government of her country to take up this issue with India because the situation has worsened due to the winds coming from India. This has been said by the Punjab government when the schools had to be closed after the Lahore air became poisonous and many other steps have also been taken. According to the report of Dawn, Punjab Government’s Environment Department Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said on Sunday. Told that the situation has worsened due to the winds coming from India. They attributed the air quality index in Lahore reaching above 1,000 on easterly winds coming from the Indian cities of Amritsar and Chandigarh. Maryam Aurangzeb said that her government will write a letter to its Foreign Office on Monday to raise the issue of Punjab pollution with India.
‘India’s cooperation is necessary’
Maryam Aurangzeb said, ‘The wind coming from India towards Lahore is taking the level of pollution to dangerous levels. There is no hope of improvement for a week, hence the elderly and children need to be especially careful. Our government will write to the Foreign Office on Monday to approach Indian officials for talks on joint efforts to curb smog.
Lahore, a city with a population of 14 million, has been surrounded by smog for the past several days. This is a mixture of fog and pollutants caused by diesel fumes, seasonal stubble smoke and the cold of winter. On Saturday, the city’s AQI crossed 1,000, much above the 300 level considered dangerous and very bad for health.
Maryam Nawaz has said that she will write a letter to Bhagwant Mann
Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab province, Maryam Nawaz, says that the problem of smog and pollution is in Punjab on both sides, India and Pakistan. In such a situation, we should leave politics behind and fight unitedly on this issue so that people on both sides can get better health. He has also said to write a letter to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on this issue.
At a Diwali program in Lahore, Maryam said that we need to coordinate with India on the smog that is prevailing in Lahore. I am thinking of writing a letter to Bhagwant Mann, the Chief Minister of Punjab in India because this is not a political issue but a humanitarian issue. If we are also taking steps in this direction, then there should be initiative from the Indian side also.
Time.news Interview: Tackling Punjab’s Pollution Crisis
Setting: The interview takes place in the vibrant Time.news office, with the evening sun casting a warm glow through the windows. The air is thick with the anticipation of an engaging discussion on a pressing issue. The Time.news editor sits across from Dr. Aisha Khan, an environmental scientist and expert on air quality.
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Khan. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the alarming smog situation in Lahore and Punjab. The recent reports indicate that the air quality index has skyrocketed to over 1,000, which is extremely concerning. What are your thoughts on the current pollution crisis?
Dr. Khan: Thank you for having me. Yes, the situation is dire. Lahore has been grappling with severe smog conditions, and it’s a multi-faceted issue. Factors such as industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and crop burning all contribute significantly. However, the recent claims regarding winds from India exacerbating this problem have brought a new dimension to the discussion.
Editor: Exactly, and the Punjab government has reached out to the central government to address these concerns with India. How critical do you think international cooperation is in tackling this pollution crisis?
Dr. Khan: It’s crucial. Pollution doesn’t recognize borders, and the winds can carry particulate matter across regions. For instance, the Punjab government’s assertion that easterly winds from Indian cities like Amritsar and Chandigarh are impacting Lahore’s air quality is supported by meteorological data. Coordinated efforts to mitigate cross-border pollution sources, such as coordinated air quality management and joint initiatives, can yield significant improvements.
Editor: The Punjab Environment Minister, Maryam Aurangzeb, emphasized that they will be formally approaching the Foreign Office to raise this issue. Do you believe that diplomatic channels can effectively address this environmental concern?
Dr. Khan: It’s a step in the right direction. While diplomatic interventions can facilitate discussions, concrete action is essential. It would be beneficial for both countries to engage in environmental diplomacy, focusing on science-based agreements concerning pollution control. Building a shared understanding can lead to collaborative solutions, such as joint monitoring of air quality and sharing best practices for pollution reduction.
Editor: Many residents in Lahore are suffering daily due to the poor air quality, leading to school closures and health risks. What immediate measures can be taken to alleviate the situation?
Dr. Khan: Immediate measures should focus on public health and safety. This includes issuing advisories for residents to limit outdoor activities, especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. Additionally, the government can implement stricter regulations on local industries and transportation emissions. Long-term, investing in green technology and renewable energy sources is critical, along with enhancing public transportation to reduce vehicle emissions.
Editor: It sounds like a comprehensive strategy is needed. How can citizens contribute to improving the situation?
Dr. Khan: Citizen engagement is vital. People can be proactive by reducing their own contributions to pollution—carpooling, using public transport, and minimizing the use of generators during smog. Awareness campaigns can help educate the public on the health impacts of air pollution and promote cleaner practices. Additionally, community advocacy can push local governments to take stronger actions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Khan, for this insightful discussion. It’s evident that addressing the pollution crisis in Punjab requires a multifaceted approach that includes government action, international cooperation, and community involvement.
Dr. Khan: Thank you for having me. I genuinely hope we see significant progress in tackling this urgent crisis for the health and well-being of all residents in Punjab.
Editor: And that concludes our interview. Let’s hope for cleaner air and a collaborative approach toward a sustainable future. Thank you for joining us at Time.news!