By: Sameer Ajmal
As humanity advances, it inadvertently creates new challenges. While innovations in agriculture have led to the production of more productive and seasonal crops at lower costs, these advancements have come at a significant environmental cost. Industrial development and its accompanying pollutants have severely affected our environment, with greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions, and industrial noise making life increasingly difficult in large cities. According to organizations monitoring these issues, Pakistan ranks among the highest in air pollution levels.
Causes of Environmental Pollution in Pakistan:
In recent years, the number of vehicles in Pakistan has surged dramatically. Data from the Economic Survey and other sources indicate that road traffic has quintupled over the past twenty years, largely due to an increase in the use of petrol and diesel vehicles, which significantly contribute to air pollution. Industrial growth has escalated energy demands, leading to the widespread use of cheap fuels. Winter smog, a prevalent issue, is primarily caused by the burning of crop residues, factory emissions, brick kiln smoke, vehicle exhaust, and the use of low-quality fuels.
Health Impacts of Environmental Pollution:
Environmental pollution poses severe health risks. Medical experts highlight that air pollution reduces life expectancy and is a major cause of various ailments. In Pakistan, air pollution is linked to common health issues such as conjunctivitis, and ear, throat, and stomach diseases. The onset of smog in winter correlates with a rise in conjunctivitis cases, as well as respiratory and throat infections. Clinics often see a surge in patients suffering from breathing difficulties, severe coughs, and colds during this period. Pollution also contributes to skin and gastrointestinal diseases and neurological conditions like headaches, epilepsy, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.
Effects on Daily Life:
Environmental pollution significantly disrupts daily routines. Citizens must adjust their lifestyles, including their living conditions. During periods of severe smog, educational institutions often close, disrupting exams and leading to enforced holidays. Lockdowns in November and December have become routine in Pakistan, severely impacting businesses, particularly restaurants, hotels, and similar establishments. Under the “take-away” policy, food can be collected but not consumed on-site, affecting the hospitality sector. Additionally, work-from-home policies are also hindered by environmental conditions like smog. These tangible impacts highlight how deeply pollution affects everyday life.
Essential Measures to Combat Environmental Pollution:
Government measures to control environmental pollution tend to be temporary. During smog season, efforts such as lockdowns and artificial rains provide only short-term relief. For a lasting solution, the government needs to implement a comprehensive transport policy that promotes electric vehicles and bans high-emission vehicles. Industrial facilities should be prohibited from using substandard fuels, and brick kilns across the country should transition to zigzag technology. Furthermore, the agricultural sector must adopt modern methods and equipment to control the release of harmful gases. These measures are crucial to mitigating the adverse effects of environmental pollution and improving public health and daily living conditions.