Pakistan: Punjab Government to Use Artificial Rain Against Smog

The Punjab government of Pakistan announced plans to deploy artificial rain to address severe smog in Lahore. This decision follows Lahore being named the world’s most polluted city, with an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) level of 394. Such levels are classified as hazardous, far exceeding the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline.

About Air Quality Index (AQI)

The AQI measures air quality based on the concentration of harmful PM2.5 particles. In Lahore, current levels are 55.6 times above WHO recommendations. High PM2.5 levels can lead to serious health issues, particularly respiratory ailments.

Causes of Smog in Lahore

Several factors contribute to Lahore’s persistent smog:

1. Temperature Inversion: In winter, a layer of warm air traps pollutants near the ground. Lahore’s geographical location, surrounded by hills, exacerbates this issue.
2. Stubble Burning: Farmers burn crop residue, particularly after rice harvesting. This practice is common in both India and Pakistan, contributing to winter smog.
3. Vehicular Emissions: Exhaust from vehicles adds to pollution levels. A study brought into light that emissions from vehicles, along with industrial activities and biomass burning, are primary sources of PM2.5.
4. Urban Development: Rapid urbanization in Lahore has led to deforestation. The loss of green spaces limits natural air purification processes.
5. Industrial Pollution: Low-quality fuel and emissions from coal-fired power plants, like the Sahiwal plant, are major contributors to air pollution.

Government Response

In response to the smog crisis, the Punjab government has initiated several measures:

1. Artificial Rain: Cloud seeding was attempted last year with limited success. While it temporarily reduced AQI levels, the effects were short-lived.
2. Crackdown on Polluters: Authorities have destroyed over 328 brick kilns and impounded more than 600 vehicles for violating emissions standards.
3. Fuel Regulations: In 2021, the government banned Euro 2 fuel in Lahore to combat vehicular pollution.
4. Smog Mitigation Plan: Punjab’s Environment Minister announced a comprehensive plan focusing on both immediate and long-term strategies. This includes:

• Deployment of a smog monitoring unit.
• Bans on single-use plastics.
• Water sprinkling to reduce dust.
• Transitioning to greener mass transit options.
• Industrial monitoring and fuel quality inspections.
• Tree planting initiatives and urban forests.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these efforts, critics argue that the measures are temporary fixes. There is a call for a cohesive strategy that addresses urban planning and pollution at its source. The unpredictability of cloud seeding raises concerns about reliance on such technology. The Punjab government continues to work on a multi-faceted approach to tackle the smog crisis effectively. The situation in Lahore remains critical, denoting the urgent need for sustainable solutions to air pollution.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2024

Category: Environment Current Affairs