The Pakistan Punjab government has taken decisive action to combat rising pollution levels by imposing what they are calling a "green lockdown" across designated smog hotspots, particularly targeting areas of Lahore. This initiative, announced on October 31, 2024, has been put forward as part of the provincial administration's effort to address the alarming air quality crisis affecting one of the world's most polluted cities.
On Wednesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Lahore hit staggering levels, peaking at 588 by 3 AM, which is not just hazardous but considered extreme. By the evening, readings improved slightly, dropping to 177 at 8 PM; still, this exceeds the international standards for healthy air. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb detailed during the Punjab Assembly session the areas most impacted by pollution, identifying 11 hotspots with Shimla Hill being severely affected.
The restrictive measures entail bans on various activities known to be contributors to air pollution. According to Dawn, the restrictions include prohibiting open barbecue sessions after 8 PM, halting motorcycle-rickshaw services, and placing heavy limitations on construction activities within one kilometer of Shimla Hill. Other targeted operations include food outlets using charcoal, coal, or wood for cooking, which must install proper emission control systems or cease operations altogether.
The government's approach under this initiative emphasizes limiting operating hours for establishments such as marriage halls and marquees, which are now required to close by 10 PM. The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) will implement only wet sweeping methods to mitigate dust created by street activities. Further actions against heavy transport vehicles and unnecessary encroachments will also be enforced to improve traffic flow.
To counterbalance the pollution crisis, the Punjab government has laid out plans to create what they call a "green ring" around Lahore. This ambitious proposal involves utilizing modern technology to establish dense tree walls, effectively increasing oxygen levels and reducing carbon emissions. Each tree involved will be geo-tagged, ensuring efforts can be properly monitored. Emphasis will also be placed on afforestation initiatives within industrial areas, spotlighting collaborations with local industries and educational institutions to bolster tree planting efforts. A special youth initiative dubbed the "Green Force" aims to engage students actively during the three-month smog season.
While these measures have been described as proactive, reactions from air quality experts have been mixed. The Pakistan Air Quality Experts' Group, which includes established researchers and scientists, expressed skepticism over the sufficiency and practicality of the imposed restrictions, deeming them poorly planned and potentially ineffective at yielding significant improvements.
According to reports, the Punjab Safe Cities Authority is also stepping up its surveillance of vehicular emissions by issuing electronic citations for vehicles identified as persistently emitting excessive smoke. This move is coupled with broader strategies to introduce 30 electric buses and e-bikes to the city as part of their commitment to cleaner urban transport.
While the Punjab government promotes these efforts as part of their environmental compliance initiative, tangible results may be slow to materialize. The concerns raised by experts highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies rather than reactive measures to genuinely begin tackling Lahore's air quality crisis.
The discourse surrounding environmental safeguards is becoming increasingly prominent as Lahore grapples with its identity as one of the world's most polluted cities. Hence, the success of the "green lockdown" and associated initiatives will depend on the government's ability to maintain momentum beyond merely immediate actions.
For now, residents of Lahore are bracing themselves as they navigate the consequences of these restrictions, hoping for cleaner air and healthier living conditions as the smog season progresses.
