Smog is choking the health of the people. This hazardous weather is creating a situation in which people are suffering. This condition is directly causing harm to multiple businesses and leading to financial issues for the private sector.
Lahore and its residents are facing a critical situation; approximately 13 million people are affected as the air quality index has repeatedly surpassed the 1,000 mark this November.
Furthermore, an air quality index above 300 is considered hazardous. Due to this alarming situation, all private and public schools have been reported closed until the 17th of November.
Workers from different factories and hotspot areas have been instructed to stay at home, which is worsening the already precarious financial conditions for people dependent on daily wages. This “green lockdown” is creating challenges not only for fiscal issues but also for unacceptable health problems.
All types of vehicles are banned in hotspot areas, but people who depend on daily earnings are struggling to manage their lives. Parking is also banned to prevent traffic and pollution. By the end of the week, the Lahore High Court ordered markets to close at 8 PM sharp and to remain closed entirely on Sundays. Public areas like zoos and parks have also been shut down until November 17th.
People need to understand that this green lockdown is for their safety and to promote environmental control. As more people go out for leisure or spend time with their families, it can contribute to worsening air conditions. More vehicles lead to more air pollution. Factories burning chemicals and excessive fuel use must be curtailed to protect public health and reduce pollution’s impact on daily life.
According to NASA scientist Pawan Gupta, the pollution levels in the city could peak in the coming months of November and December. It can become worse at any time, posing challenges across multiple areas of Punjab and beyond. This issue is also present in India, where large regions are similarly blanketed by hazardous smog.
Related Article: Property Prices Decline in Lahore as Smog Takes a Toll on Economy and Health
The smoke has enveloped parts of Punjab, especially Lahore. This phenomenon can be observed from space, with satellite images showing Lahore in Punjab and Delhi in India engulfed in dense smog, spreading pollution across vast areas.
This smoke primarily originates from agricultural burning, where farmers rapidly clear crop residue to prepare for the next harvest. Unfortunately, this practice creates harmful conditions for people, particularly those who work outdoors to earn their livelihoods.
Burning is an improper and damaging method of waste disposal, significantly affecting people’s health. In short, we must work collectively to ensure our safety and health for the time being.
