Quelling smog: Some suggestions

In recent years, it has become a norm that before we welcome winter by taking out our blankets, smog welcomes winter and blankets Lahore in a way that reduces the span of winters for us. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached back from 348 in November to 250 in December. This is how we keep fighting smog every year, working on its source, also looking at its impacts on health and the environment, and discussing its solutions to combat the problem.

But what is required is to look at why governments every year fail to handle this and take necessary measures in advance rather than waiting for people to suffer from the respiratory, cardiac, throat, and other issues.

From every October to December, we only breathe in unhealthy air, cough, visit doctors and read multiple articles daily to take the matter seriously. But the demanded solutions are barely adapted for a common man by administrative bodies.

It becomes more questions during the period of the government which considers the clean and green environment its foremost priority. Although, tree projects are a big thing in the long run whereas the issue of smog needs some short-term solutions as well.

The demanded measures needed to be taken to engage the masses in this struggle by banning biomass burning including waste, wood, stubble, and coal burning in winter.

Moreover, raising awareness of the usage of public transport like Orange Line Metro trains, Speedo, and Metro Networks among masses rather than using their vehicles frequently, conversing these public transport to CNG would be a better option as well.

Also, educating people to take care on a personal level, the concept of artificial rain, and doing plantations in front of their houses and roofs would be healthy activities. Binding people with legal actions is also important like initiating some kinds of clean acts. Lastly, scrubbing or fuel-gas desulphurization (FGD) of power plants on the industrial level is also a great step in terms of reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment from smog.