mog, a hazardous blend of smoke and fog, has emerged as a pervasive global environmental concern, particularly in urban areas. This toxic mixture of various air pollutants such as ground-level ozone, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, poses serious threats to public health, the environment and economies. Many densely populated regions, including Pakistan, have been grappling with alarmingly high levels of smog, leading to adverse health effects, reduced visibility and hindrance to tourism.

Pakistan ranks as the second most polluted country in terms of air quality, with key cities such as Lahore severely affected by smog. Primary contributors to this smog crisis are the burning of rice stubble, fossil fuel emissions and vehicular exhaust. Rice straw burning remains a widespread practice among farmers despite efforts by the Punjab government to stop it. Automobile use too has had a significant impact on air pollution levels, evidenced by the brownish hue in certain areas affected by smog.

To address the issue of smog in Pakistan, the government must shift its focus towards implementing effective policies and finding viable solutions. One crucial step is to completely halt rice straw burning by providing farmers with indigenous alternatives for straw disposal. By encouraging the utilisation of straw to contribute to improved soil health, the government can significantly reduce airborne residue and subsequent smog production.

In cases where controlled burning of agricultural residues is deemed necessary, the government should establish a regulated system to collect these residues and develop infrastructure for controlled burning with smoke filters. Given the financial implications, it is crucial to invest in counselling farmers against burning rice straw and provide them with interventions that discourage this harmful practice.

Taking a global perspective, fog harvesting has proven an innovative solution to address water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions. By strategically placing mesh nets or screens to capture fog droplets, moisture can be condensed into freshwater suitable for drinking, irrigation and other purposes. This practice has been successful in countries such as Chile, Namibia and the Canary Islands, offering sustainable water sources to some communities facing chronic water shortages.

Considering the adverse effects of smog on mobility and the availability of water resources, the installation of fog harvesting nets in certain locations with high potential for fog trapping could serve a dual purpose. These nets can be strategically placed in agricultural lands, farms, airports and along highways/ motorways. However, careful consideration must be given to the region’s air quality, as the harvested water may not be suitable for certain uses. Further research and pragmatic techniques are warranted to tackle this challenge effectively. Cost-effective and maintenance-friendly solutions should be sought to ensure the long-term viability of such initiatives.

In Pakistan, where natural resource management, resilience, recharge and disaster management are crucial, solutions rooted in nature have proved the most sustainable. With the country’s forest area alarmingly low, afforestation practices, urban forestry, vertical gardening and tree lines can play a pivotal role in improving air quality. The governments as well as the citizens need to embrace these green solutions. However, soft counseling and guidance on indigenous plant selection and sustainable plant and tree nurturing methods are essential to ensure their success.

There is a call for stricter regulations, effective implementation of existing policies and the need to invest in sustainable alternatives.

Experts frequently advocate for stronger governmental policies to address the root causes of smog, such as rice straw burning and vehicular emissions. They call for stricter regulations, effective implementation of existing policies and the need to invest in sustainable alternatives. Experts and environmentalists stress the importance of considering climate hazards, such as smog, in the wider context of climate change and the need for long-term planning and adaptation strategies.

The federal government has initiated several policy frameworks to combat climate hazards, including smog. The National Climate Change Policy and Plan is a comprehensive framework to address climate change issues, including smog and air pollution. It focuses on adaptation and mitigation measures, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening institutional capacity. For the National Clean Air Policy and Programme, the aim is to improve air quality across the country, with a specific focus on industrial emissions, vehicular pollution and agricultural practices. It emphasises the need for stricter emission standards, cleaner energy sources and public awareness campaigns.

The Punjab government has formulated a Smog Policy to tackle the crisis in the province. It includes measures to control vehicular emissions, ban rice straw burning, promote renewable energy sources and enhance air quality monitoring and enforcement. It has also rolled out a 10-point policy to control pollution, which will remain in force until further notice. Fines for smog generating emissions have also been raised.

Other initiatives include The Green Pakistan Programme, the Clean Green Programme, and the Green Pakistan Upscaling Programme, all focused on increasing the country’s forest cover and promoting the afforestation practices. These programmes aim to address environmental challenges, including air pollution, depletion of natural resources and climate change.

An analytical review of recent publications has highlighted the adverse impacts of smog on public health, the environment and the economy, urging government and public engagement. They have also emphasised the importance of policy frameworks, stricter air quality standards, the promotion of cleaner energy sources and sustainable transportation options to combat smog. Slow progress in implementing these measures, particularly due to political, economic and technological challenges, remains a concern.

Smog is a pressing environmental challenge in Pakistan, particularly in cities like Lahore. While governments have taken some steps to combat smog, there is a need for more effective implementation and the exploration of green solutions. By prioritising indigenous alternatives for rice straw disposal, promoting fog harvesting techniques, and embracing nature-based interventions, Pakistan can significantly reduce smog levels and improve public health, mobility and water resources. It is time for Pakistan to prioritise the environment and adopt sustainable practices to combat smog and safeguard the well-being of its citizens.

The writers are researchers associated with the Sustainable Development Policy Institute