mog in the Punjab has become a serious concern, especially during this winter season. While fog is a natural weather phenomenon, smog is a dangerous form of air pollution. It forms when pollutants from crop-burning, vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants and agricultural activities mix with fog under certain weather conditions.

In the Punjab, this happens primarily due to a phenomenon known as temperature inversion, which is common during the winter. In summer, warm air near the ground allows the atmosphere to mix, pushing pollutants upward. But during a temperature inversion, cooler air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, which prevents pollutants from dispersing and causes accumulation, leading to smog. Pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur oxides (SOx), carbon oxides (COx), black carbon and particulate matter (PM) are the primary contributors to this problem.

Smog comes in two primary types: photochemical smog and sulfurous smog. Photochemical smog, common in sunny areas, occurs when sunlight triggers chemical reactions between pollutants, creating a brownish haze that is harmful to human health and the environment. It can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation and damage plants and materials. Sulfurous smog is more common around industrial sites. It is formed when sulfur dioxide from burning coal combines with moisture in the air, leading to acid rain that harms ecosystems and infrastructure.

In the Punjab, several factors contribute to the formation of smog, especially in urban areas like Lahore. Vehicular emissions are a significant source. The vehicles release large amounts of nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides and VOCs. With the increasing number of vehicles on the road, particularly in Lahore, the situation has aggravated. Traffic congestion, outdated vehicle technology and poor fuel quality are major contributors to the high emissions in the region. Industrial pollution is another key factor. Lahore has more than 4,800 registered industries, many of which release harmful gases and particulate matter into the air. Factories such as brick kilns, cement plants and textile mills are among the biggest offenders.

Additionally, the burning of agricultural residues, especially in the Punjab, is a significant contributor to smog. From August to December, during the rice harvest, farmers burn large amounts of crop residues, releasing pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides into the air.

On October 30, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reiterated her call for climate diplomacy with India to tackle the worsening issue of smog on both sides of the border. Addressing a Diwali event in Lahore, she said: “We need to have diplomacy with India regarding the issue of smog in Lahore. I’m thinking of writing a letter to the Punjab chief minister in India. The winds don’t know there’s a border in the middle.”

Waste burning is also a major problem in the region. Open burning of waste, particularly in landfills, adds to the toxic chemicals and particulate matter in the air, contributing to the formation of smog. Construction dust, from building and demolition activities, adds another layer of pollution, worsening air quality.

Lahore, in particular, faces severe air pollution and smog formation. Studies show that diesel combustion accounts for 36 percent of the particulate matter (PM2.5) in Lahore’s air; industrial sources contribute 13 percent and biomass burning 15 percent. Urbanisation has also played a role, as green spaces in the city have decreased by over 390 square kilometers in the past 30 years, exacerbating the problem. The city’s air quality is further impacted by the growing number of vehicles and inadequate traffic infrastructure. Poor fuel quality and poorly maintained vehicles are major culprits. Motorcycles and old cars emit far more pollutants than vehicles in developed countries.

The health impacts of smog are severe and far-reaching. Prolonged exposure to smog can cause respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, as well as cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and strokes. Smog also irritates the eyes and reduces lung function, leading to long-term health problems. In the worst cases, it can contribute to premature death. Various studies have linked air pollution to over 128,000 deaths annually in Pakistan. Smog also contributes to global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing the formation of acid rain, which harms ecosystems and agricultural yields.

Addressing the smog crisis in the Punjab requires a comprehensive approach. One of the most important steps is improving the transportation system. This includes enforcing stricter emission standards for vehicles, particularly older models and promoting cleaner transportation options like electric vehicles. Expanding public transportation and reducing traffic congestion are also critical steps in cutting down emissions from vehicles. Industrial pollution must be tackled by enforcing stricter regulations on factories, especially those in the brick kiln, cement and textile sectors, and encouraging the adoption of cleaner technologies.

Another important measure is preventing the burning of crop residues. Educating farmers about the environmental impact of crop burning and promoting alternative methods, such as using crop residues for bio-energy or composting, is crucial. Incentivising the use of environmentally friendly farming equipment, like happy seeders, can help reduce dependence on burning crop residues. In addition, improving waste management systems to reduce open waste burning and promoting recycling are key strategies to reduce pollution.

Increasing urban green spaces can help absorb pollutants and reduce the urban heat island effect, which exacerbates smog. Tree plantation drives and expanding parks can improve air quality and help combat smog. Additionally, public awareness campaigns are necessary to educate citizens about the dangers of smog and the actions they can take to reduce pollution, such as using public transportation and reducing vehicle idling.

Finally, stronger enforcement of environmental laws and more air quality monitoring stations are needed to track pollution levels and take corrective action when necessary. Collaborating with neighboring regions, including parts of India, is also important, as smog often crosses borders. Regional cooperation can help address trans-boundary pollution, such as crop burning and industrial emissions, that contribute to the smog problem.

While fog is a seasonal, natural occurrence in the Punjab, human activities are making smog much worse. By addressing the sources of pollution, such as vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, crop-burning and waste burning, and promoting cleaner alternatives, the Punjab can reduce smog and improve air quality. Smog is not just an environmental issue; it is also a public health crisis that requires immediate action. Through concerted efforts from the government, industry, and citizens, the Punjab can work towards a cleaner, healthier future.

The writer, an environment and climate change specialist at the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company, has an MS in environmental conservation from the University of Trier, Germany.