Punjab Faces Smog-Induced Health Emergency: Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb

Lahore News (Sahiwal Updates)

Punjab is now in the throes of a severe health crisis caused by hazardous smog, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced on Friday.

The smog, primarily attributed to toxic pollutants, has blanketed several cities, with Lahore and Multan among the worst affected.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Multan has twice surpassed 2,000 recently, setting unprecedented records for pollution levels. Lahore, too, recorded an AQI of 1,591 yesterday, making it the most polluted city globally.

Health Impacts Escalate

The deteriorating air quality has triggered a surge in respiratory illnesses across Punjab. Over the past month, nearly two million residents have reported health issues, including asthma, conjunctivitis, and heart complications.

Medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to toxic pollutants may lead to severe long-term health effects, including oxidative stress, depression, and even cancer.

Government’s Response

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Aurangzeb described the smog situation as part of the broader climate crisis.

She unveiled a comprehensive 10-year climate change policy developed by the Punjab government, covering smog mitigation, disaster recovery, and ecological preservation.

Aurangzeb emphasized the multifaceted causes of smog, including transport emissions, agricultural practices, and industrial pollution, urging collective action from all sectors.

She also welcomed civil society’s suggestions and encouraged experts to identify gaps in the government’s roadmap, titled Roadmap for Smog Mitigation in Punjab (2024-2025).

“This is not a problem that can be solved in months,” she cautioned. “We have implemented short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures with clearly defined targets.”

Stricter Measures Considered

Punjab Environment Protection and Climate Change Department (EPCCD) Secretary Raja Jahangir Anwar hinted at drastic measures, including a complete lockdown, if the situation worsens.

Temporary school closures and restrictions on public gatherings are already under consideration.

Key Actions Underway

Aurangzeb detailed several ongoing initiatives:

• Agricultural Reforms: Distribution of 1,000 subsidized super-seeders to discourage stubble burning, with plans to increase the number to 5,000 next year.
• Industrial Regulations: Installation of emission control systems (ECS) in over 90 small and medium-sized industries, supported by a government loan scheme.
• Brick Kiln Crackdown: Over 800 brick kilns have been demolished to prevent their reactivation.
• Forestation Efforts: Implementation of Lahore’s “Green Master Plan” to increase forest cover, currently a mere 3% compared to the international standard of 36%.

Focus on Transport and Infrastructure

Aurangzeb announced the deployment of 30 gas analyzers to traffic police to monitor vehicle emissions. She criticized past governments for neglecting environmental monitoring and lauded the current administration for equipping the Environmental Protection Agency with surveillance squads and AQI monitors.

Future Plans

Advocate General of Punjab Khalid Ishaq informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) that electric buses would be introduced across Punjab by June next year.

The government has allocated funds for this initiative, which aims to reduce vehicular emissions significantly.

The court, presided over by Justice Shahid Karim, urged the government to adopt a long-term strategy to combat smog.

He called for stricter regulations, including prohibiting housing societies on agricultural land and mandating water treatment plants for large residential properties.

Call for Public Awareness

Aurangzeb appealed to journalists and influencers to use their platforms to raise awareness about smog. “Criticize us, but also help educate people about this crisis,” she urged.

With smog levels showing no signs of abating, Punjab remains on high alert. The government continues to implement and monitor measures aimed at alleviating the crisis while preparing for a challenging winter ahead.