The smog in Lahore needs to be remedied on a war footing otherwise it will have very serious consequences. Oh, but then that’s the ‘new normal’ in winters we’ve come to accept, haven’t we?

It is said that in 1952 the Great Smog of London caused hundreds of deaths and many more people got sick. After the city administration took appropriate measures, they were able to overcome the menace. With proper research and positive action a solution to Lahore’s smog problem too is possible.

Smog is a fairly recent phenomenon in Lahore — it became noticeable only a few years ago. But it’s come to a point where it needs appropriate action. There are several factors contributing to atmospheric pollution in the city, which gives us the dreadful smog. These include the burning of fossil fuels - petrol, natural gas and coal. These emit carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas), the very lethal carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides.

In November 2023, Lahore’s air quality index was measured to be over 400 in terms of PM 2.5. An AQI of 50 to 100 is said to be fine, 150 is definitely unhealthy. The higher it goes, the more toxic it gets. Over 300 is hazardous. This year so far, Lahore has fared as the second most polluted city of the world. (Previously, it has topped the list.)

There are a lot of factories in and close to Lahore that emit smoke by burning fossil fuels. Also there are brick kilns which give out black smoke. Furthermore, an increase in population over the years has given rise to more vehicular traffic.

Relocating some of the factories at a reasonable distance from one another is a good option. But then there are factories that will need compensation, or else the livelihood of their poor workers will be jeopardised.

Besides, a lot of construction work is taking place. Additionally, the burning of agricultural residue in Lahore region is polluting the air. Checking industrial pollution is difficult; it requires informed methods that are also feasible and affordable. Developed countries now use regenerative thermal oxidisers, a type of “air pollution control equipment that destroys hazardous air pollutants, volatile organic compounds and odorous emissions created during industrial processes.”

Relocating some of the factories at reasonable distance from one another is a good option. But then there are factories that will need compensation payments. Else, the livelihood of their workers will be jeopardised.

Pollution by black carbon (soot) from brick kilns ought to be lessened. The introduction of zig-zag technology could reduce black carbon emission by about 50 percent. Some brick kilns in Pakistan have begun using zig-zag.

The burning of crop residue is another contributor to air pollution. In the Punjab, farmers have long burned agricultural residues before they plant afresh. The process starts in early winters. Before wheat is sown, the remains of the rice crop have to be removed. Recently, some of the farmers have been provided with what’s called the “shredding technology” to break down the remnants of the previous rice crop. The technology mulches the crop remains into the soil, thus precluding the need to burn it. The Happy Seeder and Super Seeder are tractor-mounted tools subsidised by the government. There is a need for rent-a-happy-seeder facility for farmers who can’t afford to buy these.

With a population of over 13 million, Lahore has a great deal of vehicular traffic. This adds to the air pollution. An important consideration is the alternatives, dor instance, electric vehicles. But this is an expensive proposition.

Battery powered — or hybrid — vehicles are becoming increasingly common in developed countries. But in countries where most people can barely afford a second-hand motorbike, an electric bike appears to be a luxury. It sounds like ‘eating cake instead of bread.’

Mandating use of public transport on some days of the month, especially in the smog season, could help. The Punjab government recently announced plans for launching 27 electric buses in Lahore. These are to operate from the City Railway Station to Green Town. One also hears about plans to slap heavy fines on owners of vehicles that emit smoke.

Cycle rickshaws used to be an environment-friendly ride, but have become obsolete. Also, those were unsafe especially for older drivers.

So, then, should people just walk a little more? Why not. That’s the norm in many developed countries.

Planting trees is important too, as trees remove air pollution and toxic gases from the environment. We keep hearing about public campaigns to plant millions or billions of trees. Hopefully, these targets will be achieved soon enough. Till then, the city could do with artificial rain, employing cloud seeding. We had some recently, with a little help from the UAE. Installation of smog towers is on the cards too.

The writer is a freelance journalist