The Punjab government has made a significant policy shift in its approach to tackling smog, recognizing it as a year-round epidemic that requires urgent interventions. Previously, smog was treated as a seasonal issue, but this approach has been deemed ineffective, leading to a constant decline in air quality in the province, particularly in Lahore.
The new policy acknowledges the severity of the problem and seeks to address it through a multi-sectoral approach, involving all government departments. The environment protection department has been tasked with leading the charge, and a comprehensive plan has been put in place to prevent smog in both the short and long term.
The plan includes a range of measures, such as a crackdown on brick kiln owners who have not implemented Zigzag Technology, encouraging carpooling and public transport, addressing industrial emissions and waste, promoting clean energy and greening, providing e-bikes and e-buses, converting schools to green areas, mapping industries for clean air initiatives, and setting up waste treatment plants.
The government has also launched a subsidy scheme for farmers to help them deal with stubble burning, a major contributor to smog. Additionally, gas analyzers will be procured to monitor smog hotspots and facilitate enforcement teams in taking need-based interventions.
The policy shift is a welcome move, as Pakistan ranked as the second most polluted country, and Lahore was the fourth most polluted city in the world in 2023. The Punjab government’s commitment to revolutionizing its environmental protection strategy is evident in its efforts to provide a unified action plan to mitigate smog on a war footing.
The government’s approach is also informed by international best practices, particularly from China and India, where city-specific interventions have been successful in controlling smog. By learning from these examples and adapting them to the local context, the Punjab government aims to make a significant impact in improving air quality and protecting public health.
Overall, the policy shift is a positive development, and its successful implementation will require coordination and cooperation among all stakeholders. The government’s commitment to addressing smog as a year-round epidemic is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that this effort will lead to a significant improvement in air quality and a better quality of life for the citizens of Punjab.
