Air Pollution In Pakistan:
The common and most well known definition of air pollution is that of “anything that can degrade or worsen the quality of air which in turn affects the health of the environment and general public.“
However, when we talk about it in a bit more detail, it comes to light the fact that not just al pollutants contribute the same to worsening the air quality of a region. Pakistan has frequently been in the top 10 cities with worst air quality lists since 2019 if not always top 3. Especially the cities of Lahore and Karachi.
The worsening air quality has resulted in a semi-permanent haze worsened by the light pollution in Karachi and of course, the smog that falls over the city of Lahore during the later half of the year.
Causes of Air Pollution in Pakistan:
Pakistan still being a developing country is heavy on the industry sector to promote the growth of the national GDP. This is why more and more industries are being set up relentlessly everywhere around and even inside the cities. This is not only dangerous to public health and safety long term but also fails to take into account how much air pollution is contributed by these industrial units.
Check out: India, China, Pakistan Top World’s Worst Air Quality Charts
Related: Hazardous Air Quality of Lahore- Causes, Effects, Solutions
Some causes of air pollution in Pakistan are mentioned below:
- Industries are being set up in bulks every month without proper Environmental Impact Assessments that clearly falsify data reports of the type and amount of emissions.
- The six criteria pollutants: CO, CO2, Lead, NO2, Ozone, SO2 and Particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) are not screened properly for, or if detected, they are not regulated by the authorities like EPA.
- Upon screening, the penalties are very mild and no further action is taken to ensure that industries are equipped with the latest technologies and emission reducing PCT (Pollution control technologies)
- Brick Kilns are largely set up in rural areas across Pakistan along with bonded labor which is illegal. Yet, as of 2020 there were 500 unregistered brick kilns operating in Punjab alone. Some were shut down later in 2021 however, many have sprung into operation once again as of late.
- Crop residue burning after and before monsoon season. Emits lots of smoke containing soot, particulate matter, CO and CO2.
- Protests, political unrests and frequent civil upheavals often lead people to set things on fire especially tires, cars and other flammable objects. It seems meagre but on a nationwide scale especially broadcasting it on national television has inspired others and now burning objects and tires are a common sight during protests and civil unrests. This also contributes to air pollution and worsens local air quality that ultimately contributes to overall air quality.
- Private transports without catalytic converters.
- Outdated industrial stacks, technology and chimney designs that emit pollutants within the city air space instead of higher up in the air.
Effects of Air Pollution in Pakistan:
- Breathing Problems, Respiratory ailments like asthma, wheezing and coughing along with difficulty breathing
- Sinuses may become blocked and people with already existing sensitivities or allergies may suffer during bouts of worsening air quality.
- Poor visibility, semi permanent haze in the sky that blocks out stars and sometimes even views from high apartment complexes.
- Destroys aesthetics and ambience of the city. Related: Punjab Government and Its Role in Lahore Smog Crisis
- Soot accumulation in lungs
- Contributes to blackening of glaciers and speeds up melting, contaminates drinking water supply thereby declining water resources.
Solutions of Air Pollution in Pakistan:
The worsening air quality in major cities of Pakistan can only be through effective and rigorous reforms in policies. Revising the ways EIA and IEEs are carried out for all developmental projects with a special emphasis on industrial units that emit large quantities of the six criteria air pollutants. We need to update our laws on air pollution and need something like the Clean Air Act that is more inclusive, covers all aspects of air pollution more efficiently and regulates mobile vehicular exhaust emissions.
Also see: Controlling Air Pollution Crucial for Mitigating World’s Environmental Crises
A large national reform is the only viable and long lasting solution. Penalties and fines need to be hefty that makes citizens wary from polluting. Catalytic converters should be made compulsory on all car engines. The law needs to be seriously enforced.
You may also like to read: Equipment Used in Industries to Control Air Pollution
Check out: Air Pollution– Sources, Effects, and Control
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