Dear Editor,
Air pollution is one of the biggest problems faced by Pakistan. Pakistan is one of the most polluted countries in the world. In the year 2023, IQ Air Which measures air quality levels based on lung-damaging airborne particles reported that Pakistan stood third among the countries with the most polluted air. Lahore is the most polluted city.
Air pollution is mainly caused by emissions from vehicles and industries. Agriculture, and related crops burning accounts for only 20% of all pollutants. While Transport accounts for around 43%. With the rest coming from power and industries.
It causes various health problems like coughing, headache, dizziness, etc. It creates not only smog but also decreases the amount of sunlight that reaches the Earth. Although National Clean Air Policy aims to reduce air pollution in Pakistan, improve air quality, improve citizens’ health, and ensure food security but still air pollution is not under control.
Some possible solutions to improve air qulaity on the industrial level are the following:
1- Replacing fossil fuels with alternative energies like solar, wind, and geothermal.
2- Reduce consumption of energy.
3- Introduction of load-free gasoline and phasing out sulfur from diesel for providing clean fuels.
4- Provision of continuous water monitoring and mobile laboratories in six cities (Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad.
Apart from industries, we can also take some practical steps to reduce air pollution including:
1- Drive less, instead walk and use public transportation wherever possible.
2- Maintain a wood stove or fireplace.
3- Recycle and buy recycled products.
4- Grow your own food.
5- Minimize air pollution from cars.
6- Plant trees.
7- Raise awareness.
8- Use natural products.
9- Don’t smoke indoors.
10- Keep indoor humidity low.
11- Use air purifiers.
Thank You
Madiha Zahid
Riphah International University
