The diseases caused by air pollution in the country are increasing on an annual basis, although Pakistan is not amongst the major industrialized countries at the international level. The way we enjoy the cool air and throw feasts in the romantic sun of winter, at that time we do not have any illusions that this air can prove to be a tool of death for us.
The World Health Organization estimates that 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe air that exceeds the pollution levels set in its guidelines. Low and middle income countries like Pakistan are most affected by what can only be called toxic air.
WHO also estimates that around 7 million people die worldwide every year due to air pollution? These estimates should be eye-opening for environmental managers worldwide, but even more so in Pakistan, where smog has become a recurring challenge.
Air pollution puts people at greater risk of lung damage and in many cases triggers the reactivation of tuberculosis. Climate change and global warming are also a major cause of deteriorating air quality. Road traffic that emits noxious fumes and air travel that emits even more harmful gases have all contributed to this sad situation that has deprived ordinary citizens of their right to fresh air.
In various tests, WHO has found a mixture of smoke particles and solid and liquid smog in most cities of the world with varying intensity? Such particles remain suspended in the air and cause serious environmental and health problems in most countries, including Pakistan.
Every winter in Pakistan, that air pollution emerges as a major challenge, although this does not mean that it is in other seasons there is no risk. Coughing and wheezing has become a norm in almost all cities and even towns and villages of the country, especially among the elderly and children.
Just breathing in the air of our cities is just like the heavy smoking. This is a serious problem and the fact is that those ruler who have in powers should know it. The top officials of federal and provincial governments in Pakistan should make efforts to reduce air pollution. We can start by introducing coal free energy policy and transport policy.
If we want to reduce pollution in cities, then we have to reduce the number of vehicles by introducing a sustainable public transport system like BRT. At present, Lahore is the city most affected by smog in the country, in which there is a need to take strict legal actions to eliminate the clouds of smog.
As there is no shortage of sunshine and wind in Pakistan, renewable energy sources can be a good alternative to air polluting energy sources. Now we have to realize that poor air quality is a silent killer. Fighting it may not win elections but it saves lives and that should be the priority of our government and other governments in the developing world.
As long as we as citizens do not prove ourselves to be civilized and improve the surrounding environment, at that time our leadership will not have the awareness that along with getting votes, it is their responsibility to provide the best environment to the citizens.
There is responsibility of the present government to pay full attention to this and not start many more projects like Billion Tree Tsunami to improve the environment so that forests can be increased.
On the other hand, in order to increase the agricultural land, there is a need to settle unfertile land and also to protect the agricultural land from the destruction of housing schemes. As long as the agricultural land in the country should not be save the pollution will be increase more and more.
