LAHORE is one of the busiest cities in Pakistan. Due to the rapidly increasing population and deforestation, the air quality and environment of Lahore is getting worse by the day, affecting the environmental aesthetics and health of the public. Smog has become a challenge for the residents over the last few years, causing diseases like eye irritation, emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung infections and even cancers.

The required air quality index should be less than 100, but nowadays it is far beyond 250, indicating unhealthy environmental conditions in the city.

The government and all the departments concerned should take appropriate action against the factories, industries and all those contributing to the prevailing smog. The brick kilns should be designed in such a way that their chimneys must have zig-zag shapes from the inside so that they may not produce heavy smoke.

Besides, the waste of the industries should be in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Strict action should be taken against all those violating the rules and increasing pollution. Heavy fines should be imposed on them and their licence should be cancelled. Afforestation is also one of the best options to improve the air quality.

Huzaifa Fayyaz
Lahore

Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2021