The severe smog choking South Asian cities has escalated to alarming levels, with millions of residents grappling with health crises as air quality deteriorates. Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, has been at the forefront of this environmental catastrophe, hitting grim records with its Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring above 1,000—an astonishing level far exceeding the "hazardous" threshold of 300. Similarly, New Delhi faces its own pollution emergency, exacerbated by seasonal weather patterns. The overlapping crises have thrust urban health and climate issues onto the political agenda, prompting urgent calls for long-term solutions and immediate action.
Experts pinpoint the burning of agricultural waste as one of the primary offenders behind the thick smog enveloping Lahore and New Delhi. During winter, farmers often set fire to crop residue, releasing toxic particles and gases aimed at clearing fields for the next planting. This practice is coupled with emissions from vehicles and industrial sources, creating hazardous conditions. The chains of pollution don’t stop at borders—airborne contaminants travel across regions, intertwining the fates of people living in these heavily polluted metropolises.
Authorities have reported nearly 70,000 daily patients admitted to hospitals with respiratory ailments attributed to the hazardous air. Since October, Punjab province, known for its dense population and urban sprawl, has especially suffered, with local health care facilities overwhelmed. Over two million individuals have been treated for smog-related health issues across Pakistan, which includes ailments like asthma, conjunctivitis, and chronic heart conditions. Ahmad Rafay Alam, a prominent environmental lawyer from Lahore, has passionately described the situation as "an apocalypse," calling for substantial reforms to address the crisis at its roots rather than merely applying temporary fixes.
With hospitals filled to capacity, residents are being encouraged to wear masks and limit outdoor activities. Medical practitioners are urging people to adhere to these precautions, as many patients report failing to wear masks before becoming severely ill. Mobile health clinics have sprung up across high-traffic areas, providing immediate assistance to those struggling to breathe. Amid the chaos, the Punjab government has imposed what it calls a "green lockdown," introducing measures aimed at reducing emissions, such as shutting schools until November 17 and almost all public parks and museums until November 18.
Weather conditions also play a significant role, as the cold winter air traps pollutants close to the ground, making the situation worse. Residents hold mixed feelings about the silver lining of light rains predicted to come; they hope it might wash away some of the contamination but remain skeptical about the long-term effectiveness of such temporary wetness. The irony isn’t lost on those who recall when Lahore was often called the “City of Gardens.” Now, rapid urbanization has overtaken its lush landscapes, offering barely enough greenery to counteract the ever-increasing pollution.
Meanwhile, more than 1,500 kilometers away, New Delhi faces similar devastation. The smog alerts go off each year between October and February, as cooler temperatures exacerbate the dump of pollutants. This year, visibility has plummeted, pushing city authorities to close schools temporarily and advise residents, especially vulnerable groups, to stay indoors. Reports indicate school closures will likely extend beyond the immediate duration if air quality doesn’t improve. Environmental advocacy groups are urging governments to collaborate across borders to combat pollution more effectively, noting the shared nature of air quality issues.
Local leaders are trying to mobilize joint efforts to spur regional climate diplomacy. Environmental advocates from Pakistan’s Punjab province have voiced the need for cohesive strategies and togetherness to tackle the smog pollution engulfing their lives. Activists stress the need for collective accountability and practical cooperation to reduce industrial emissions and eliminate burning crop remnants. Without joint initiatives and sufficient political will, experts warn these cities will persistently struggle under toxic skies.
Also on the legislative front, initiatives have surfaced aimed at managing and reducing pollution levels sustainably over the long term. The Punjab government has crafted a decade-long climate policy targeting the predominant environmental challenges like widespread smog and flooding. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb highlighted this new climate agenda recently, asserting it involves establishing regulations, enhancing public transport, and introducing technology focused on emission reductions.
The plan includes distributing super-seeders to make stubble management more efficient, thereby preventing burning after harvests. New vehicle fitness certifications and air quality monitoring infrastructure are also part of the strategy, with the government expecting to launch electric buses by June next year. Yet, significant changes remain distant; pollution and health impacts are still overpowering daily life. Doctors assert vulnerable demographics—children and the elderly—remain at the highest risk and urge immediate actions to diminish exposure.
Urban residents are involved actively. Community groups are urging members to plant trees and implement local initiatives to bolster greenery, echoing the government’s pledges—a hopeful step toward reclaiming the verdant nature once prevalent before industrial expansion. The question now is whether enough collective resolve will manifest to see such dreams turn tangible against the backdrop of thickening, ominous smog blankets. Meanwhile, legal avenues for forced systemic change over environmental practices are being pursued, alongside calls for stronger emissions regulations and policies by advocates across both India and Pakistan.
Pandemic lessons urged rapid global responses to health emergencies. Observers suggest similar urgency is needed to combat this smog crisis if cities, rich with culture and history, hope to remediate their air quality and preserve the health of their citizens. Could just transitioning to cleaner technologies and ensuring responsible agricultural practices reduce the pollution levels before it is too late? Only time, collective efforts, and political commitment will reveal the answer to this pressing question.
