As smog descended upon Lahore, its citizens were met with familiar symptoms: scratchy throats, burning eyes, dizziness, chest tightness, and a wracking cough. “Stepping outside has become a physical ordeal,” lamented Jawaria, a 28-year-old master’s student.
Recently, Lahore’s air quality plummeted to the worst in the world, with pollution levels peaking at 15 times the safe limit, engulfing the city in a thick brown haze. On the air quality index, “healthy” stands at 50, but last week Lahore’s air quality index soared above 700.
Across the border in India, the capital city, Delhi, was similarly blanketed in its annual toxic smog, marking the unwelcome arrival of ”pollution season” and affecting more than 25 million people. Air quality remained in the “very poor” category.
Despite governmental promises and measures to address the catastrophic levels of pollution, which have plagued both cities for the past decade, residents complained that the brown haze arrived earlier than usual, gesticulating towards the failures of current policies.
“Even in October, the skies were shrouded in gloom,” Jawaria observed, “and the smog feels more toxic than ever before. Each passing year, it worsens. The air has evolved from mildly concerning to downright hazardous. It’s heartbreaking because Lahore used to boast crisp, sunny winter days. We’d stroll through the streets, breathing in the cool air. Those days seem like a distant memory now.”
One of the main culprits behind this smog is the practice of burning crop stubble, a cheap and quick method employed by farmers to clear their fields. Although this practice is illegal in both India and Pakistan, enforcement is weak, allowing it to continue.
The Punjab government in Pakistan claimed to have provided farmers with alternatives to stubble burning, but Khalid Khokhar, the president of the farmers’ association, disputed this assertion. “Over 10 million farmers reside and work in Punjab,” he stated. “Burning the crop remains the most cost-effective solution, therefore it persists. We require assistance to find affordable alternatives for all farmers.”
Industrial emissions, construction activities, and fumes from vehicles – all become trapped over the cities as the cold winter air sets in, further exacerbating the air quality.
The situation has become so dire that Maryam Nawaz, the chief minister of Punjab in Pakistan, proposed initiating a “smog diplomacy” initiative between India and Pakistan, setting aside the complex political landscape. This initiative aims to collaboratively address the dangerously high levels of air pollution affecting both nations.
While India and Pakistan have a history of animosity, Nawaz emphasized that “smog transcends political boundaries; it is a humanitarian issue.” She added, “The air knows no borders. Combating smog necessitates collaborative action from both Punjabs.” India has yet to respond to this proposal.
The health ramifications of this annual pollution emergency are catastrophic. According to a report released by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, pollution is the leading health risk in India. Delhi’s residents lose up to 8.5 years of their lives due to its effects.
Ammar Ali Jan, a historian based in Lahore, lamented that clean air has become a luxury accessible only to the city’s affluent residents who can afford air purifiers. “This creates a form of apartheid,” he said. Ali Jan painted a bleak picture of the city, saying, “Lahore has become unlivable. We have transformed it and much of Punjab into a concrete jungle, resulting in ecological devastation.”
By Friday morning, following Diwali celebrations, Delhi surpassed Lahore as the world’s most polluted city, partly due to firecrackers set off illegally during the festivities.
Shakeel Khan, a 36-year-old street vendor, described the suffocating smog as “a slow poison,” but he had no choice but to work outdoors as the haze thickened. “In 2019, I lost my father to a lung disease,” he revealed. “He never smoked, yet doctors told me his lungs were severely damaged. What else could cause this if not the air we breathe?”
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news, where we dive deep into the pressing issues facing our world today. With us is Dr. Amina Rizvi, an environmental scientist and expert in air quality management. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Rizvi.
Dr. Rizvi: Thank you for having me! It’s a critical time to discuss air quality, especially in cities like Lahore and Delhi.
Interviewer: Just last week, Lahore’s air quality index hit a staggering 700, marking it as the worst in the world. What immediate health impacts can citizens expect from such extreme pollution levels?
Dr. Rizvi: The health impacts are severe and can affect everyone, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Citizens may experience symptoms like scratchy throats, burning eyes, and respiratory issues like coughing and chest tightness. Chronic exposure can lead to long-term health problems, including cardiovascular diseases and reduced lung function. It’s alarming how quickly air quality has deteriorated in our cities.
Interviewer: Jawaria, a local student, shared that stepping outside has become a physical ordeal. How does such pollution affect daily life?
Dr. Rizvi: It’s tragic and unfortunately reflects the reality for many. People are forced to limit their time outdoors, affecting everything from schools to businesses. The mental toll can be just as significant; the frustration of feeling trapped in your own environment due to uncontrollable pollution can lead to anxiety and stress.
Interviewer: The article mentions that both Lahore and Delhi enter a “pollution season.” What factors contribute to this recurring cycle of poor air quality?
Dr. Rizvi: Several factors play a role. For starters, crop stubble burning is a significant contributor. Farmers often burn leftover stubble to clear their fields, despite it being illegal—a practice driven by economic necessity. Additionally, industrial emissions, construction dust, and vehicular pollution combine with stagnant air during colder months, trapping pollutants and creating this toxic haze.
Interviewer: There are claims from the Punjab government about providing alternatives to stubble burning. However, as stated by farmer Khalid Khokhar, the reality appears different. Why is there such a disconnect between governmental promises and on-the-ground realities?
Dr. Rizvi: This is a common issue in policy-making. While the government may push for sustainable practices, the reality for farmers is often steeped in financial hardship. For more than ten million farmers in Punjab, alternatives may not only be lacking—they may also be unaffordable. Without genuine support and viable options, these promises remain empty.
Interviewer: It seems that a collective effort is necessary. What are your thoughts on Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s proposal for “smog diplomacy” between India and Pakistan?
Dr. Rizvi: I think it’s a promising step towards regional collaboration. Air pollution is a transboundary issue, and it knows no borders. By setting aside political differences and focusing on collaborative solutions, both countries can develop strategies that work for farmers, industries, and residents alike.
Interviewer: What specific measures should be taken to improve air quality in cities like Lahore and Delhi?
Dr. Rizvi: There needs to be a multi-faceted approach. Governments need to enforce existing laws against stubble burning more rigorously, provide financial support for alternative practices, and invest in sustainable transportation. Educating the public on the impact of pollution and encouraging behavioral changes—like reduced vehicle use—can also play a crucial role.
Interviewer: Dr. Rizvi, your insights are invaluable as we navigate these challenges. What message would you like to leave our readers with regarding air quality and public health?
Dr. Rizvi: I urge everyone to remain vigilant and advocate for cleaner air. Individuals can make a difference by supporting sustainable practices and urging their leaders to prioritize public health over economic short-term gains. Together, we can work towards reclaiming our cities and ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Rizvi, for those inspiring thoughts and for shedding light on such a critical issue. We appreciate your time.
Dr. Rizvi: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope for positive changes ahead.
