Will the government's 'unreliable' AQI figures exacerbate the issue?

An air quality index of Lahore was released recently and it had information on the rise in smoke emissions due to burning of crops in Pakistan and its effects on air quality in both countries and it was made public by NASA.

LAHORE:

Unfortunately, in their bid to highlight the problem of pollution, the Government perpetuates un-edited Air Quality IU figures. In their estimation, this is meant to alert or concern the population

The air pollution in the country is high, particularly after the crops burnt in India and the Diwali winds sweep towards the region.

Hudda sharif’s written material diffused by the Province Minister says the level air pollution in Lahore is alarming.

Words of American scientists quoted by them said the thick smoke covering the sky over the massive crop-growing Indian states is in high winds moving across Pakistan, resulting in a daily average of 1000 for Lahore, which is classified as a hazardous level in terms of AQI.

While talking about the intended thrust, she cautioned the public about the effects of respiratory diseases and other illnesses caused by this severe smog so they understood this need to A. Avoid outdoor movements/circumstances B. Wear a mask when it is necessary, especially for the patients with respiratory, chest or cardiac issues.

In specific forecasts, it was pointed out by experts that the smog might remain in the region for a period up to 48 hours. NASA has also issued an air quality map showing smoke from stubble burning in India and its significant contribution to Pakistan’s air pollution.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said that on account of a change in wind direction from the northwest, which is now blowing from the south Lakshadweep Islands, Pakistan witnessed a marginal improvement in the air quality of Lahore as the AQI decreased from 1000 to 283. Consequently, another smogging could be on the horizon, as the gusts are predicted to shift again by afternoon.

Air quality is being compromised due to incoming gusts heading from the Indian city of Ajnala to Muridke, near Lahore city. Taking into consideration these health problems, the senior minister recommended that people wear face masks and refrain from going outside unless necessary.

She also claimed that worrisome levels of smog in northern Indian provinces have prompted the Punjab government's authorities to increase the intensity of the cleanup action plan. Various parts of the provincial capital of Punjab are under a green lockdown, particularly areas where water is being sprayed on a regular basis to minimize pollution surrounding Shimla Pahari and other areas.

Furthermore, demolitions were carried out from Empress Road to Railway Headquarters and Haji Camp, followed by field inspections of generators at PTCL, Pakistan Stock Exchange, Lahore Stock Exchange, and Aiwan-e-Iqbal. We have been working to check the sources of smoke by controlling the number of food points and generators.

Traffic pollutants have exacerbated as Marriyum Aurangzeb spoke about steps taken by the Lahore Parking Company, which increased its staff’s strength to ease the maneuvering of cars. Having already captured around 50 smoke-emitting carts, they are busy removing unauthorised encroachments, dumping spots, and rubble in a bid to tackle the prevailing smog in the metropolis.

As Environment Protection Department officials specified, according to his reading from today, the most alarming reading harnessed today was 599; this statement is reversed by what the minister suggested.

The officer disclosed that these readings were taken in respect of air quality monitoring networks that have been installed by private individuals who had no approval or certification from the concerned ministry. Instead, he said, the government was using its own reading, if only to emphasize how the situation was grave in the first place.

He was adamant that such unreliable data, to say the least, would cause the rest of the world to question the seriousness on the part of whoever is making the effort. Readings coming from these privately owned monitoring stations were laughably very high.

He stated that the department has already bought fifteen more air quality stations, which will be put into operation soon. The official added that as of now, the government has only three monitoring agencies functioning towards the air quality monitoring and assessment.

He stated that other than the crop burning, it was the Diwali factor that made the situation on this side of the border worse than it already was.

He said that this was a cross-border problem in which both the governments of Pakistan and India needed to sit together and work out some standard operating procedure.

It is pertinent to mention here that in some of the Indian cities there was a prohibition on the bursting of crackers during religious festivals like Diwali, but the prohibition was brazenly violated, which brought Delhi to the top as the most polluted city across the globe.