Lahore SMOG: Is Green Lockdown a Permanent Solution?
October 2024 has witnessed Lahore reaching to the all-time low air-quality making it worst to breath in. Recently, Lahore experienced 707 score on the AQI which made the situation even worst. On 31st, the Government of the Punjab has implemented the Green Lockdown in the most affected areas of the city. This environment initiative is the part of the efforts, the officials are taking to combat the hazardous conditions to live-in. However, this article will try to analyse whether the Green Lockdown is a permanent solution? If not then, what is?
What is Green Lockdown?
The Environment Protection Department Punjab issued a notification to take valuable step to control the air pollution in the city of Gardens-Lahore. Due to dangerous smog levels and reduced visible length in the populated areas are the city, this decision was made.
In the initiative of Green Lockdown, the transportation of Rickshaws was banned to enter in the most air-polluted areas. Moreover, the commercial usage of generators for power supply is also suspended for some time. Furthermore, the eateries who work on Bar-B-Ques and such activities are limited to operate after 8PM in the outlined areas.
The areas included in the Green Lockdown initiative are Davis Road, Egerton Road, Durdan Road, and Kashmir Road. Adjacent areas to these major roads in city are Abbot Road, Railway Station, Empress Road, Shimla Hill, Queen Marry Road.
It is informative to know that these areas linked to most busted areas of the walled city also. Cooper Road, Mcloed Road are the linking areas to these. Prior to this lockdown, the school timings are changed to safeguard kids. Also, Lahore has imposed a ban on fireworks.
In addition, the citizens are encouraged to practice using facemasks outdoors. It will keep the respiratory functions safe to some possible extend. For more details, you can read the news pieces.
Is this a Permanent Solution?
Though, the initiative of Green Lockdown is much needed and an action to be appreciated. However, the burning question remains unattended- Is this a permanent solution to limit some of the transportation for a definite time? Or some other steps are also crucial to be taken on both national and domestic levels? Let’s discuss!
Though these steps are evident to tell that government officials do understand the urgency of this matter. They are in talks with the counterpart officials of neighbouring countries and inviting them to solve this common problem of air-pollution on equal basis.
On the other hand, it the time for Diwali festivities in the neighbourhood- which also adds up the fuel to the fire because of the fireworks. Though, there is ban on use and sale of firecrackers as reported by CNN. The level of smog shoots up in these times in eastern Pakistan.
Can Lahore Become Smog-Free?
Pakistan is facing the nuance of air pollution and smog for the last eight years. Still, we are failed to manage it effectively. Every winter, the situation worsens and there is no permanent solution. Worst Air quality is badly impacting the overall health of the population at large. Resulting in acute to chronic health issues ultimately reducing the life quality and quantity to the worst possible scenario.
It is an alarming environmental situation in Pakistan- which is asking for permanent solution. It is anticipated that if we initiate taking steps combating smog today- it will take 6-8 years to make Lahore- a Smog free city!
Where the problem is? What are the limitations and what can we do to make ensure the damage control? Let’s explore the options below.
Identify the Root Cause
According to the reliable sources, despite insane levels of air-pollution and P.M levels. There are no official records of the levels of air pollution in Pakistan. Though, privately there is ample information available.
The first step is to identify the actual condition before we start treatment. Therefore, we request the responsible of the environment department to gather the reliable data to gauge the levels of air pollution and the criticalness of situation.
This monitoring will help us list the responsible factors which can be controlled. We must implement the precautions and boundaries on them.
Practice Plantation
The second step to combat the air pollution is the regular and on-going tree plantation in Lahore and Pakistan. It is misfortune for a city like Lahore-which was known for its gardens that now people are dying of polluted air.
We all must participate in the tree plantation drive. In our homes, offices, streets, and empty plots, plants are required. It is the serious lacking on the end of metropolitan development department and the housing schemes to ensure a proper placement for plantation in the housing areas.
Make Healthy Choices
In addition to plantation, it is the peak point to make healthy choices. These healthy choices are essential to bring that green environment a reality-which is a long-awaited dream! Some of the changes are listed below for your kind consideration.
- Drink ample water and regulate your water levels.
- Buy air purifying devices instead of entertainment equipment.
- Make indoor plants a part of your home.
- Increase the intake of fruits and veggies to empower the immune system.
- Avoid going outdoors in smog days, ensure to make an indoor exercise routine.
- Try replacing carbonated and caffeinated drinks with natural ones.
- Reduce the intake of unhealthy and Junk Food.
- Wear face masks and avoid smoking in public gatherings.
- Discard or repair the unfit vehicles.
- Stop the use of smoke emitting power supplies like generators and activities like bonfire.
- Avoid burning the garbage or waste of any kind. Practice recycling and proper dumping.
What Students Can Do?
Students can impact the large population. Try to spread awareness in your educational institutions, in your friends and families. Ensure you make your healthy choices and abide by the laws to make air more breathable and livelier. The University of Central Punjab is also working on tree plantation drives and awareness voluntarily. You can follow such healthy activities at your schools, colleges, and universities.
Conclusion
We all must play our part to get rid of smog. The Lahore Smog is the devil we all have to battle against for the healthy and long liveable life. Though, Green Lockdown is not a permanent solution, but it can be the first step to start this long journey!