Northern India and eastern Pakistan are once again cloaked in toxic smog, with pollution levels reaching record highs just days before the Hindu festival of Diwali, known for its impact on air quality due to extensive firecracker use. In Delhi, the Air Quality Index (AQI) recently recorded values around 250, categorizing the air as “very unhealthy.” In Lahore, only 25 kilometers away across the border, the AQI surpassed 500 on Monday, placing it among the most polluted cities in the world, according to IQAir, an air quality monitoring organization. At this level, air pollution in Lahore exceeds the World Health Organization’s safe air guidelines by 65 times.
As winter approaches, the onset of smog season intensifies these issues, exacerbated by a mix of crop burning, increased vehicular emissions, coal-fired power plants, and industrial activity. In addition to Diwali, Lahore’s residents face hazardous air largely due to unchecked urbanization, deforestation, and rapid industrialization, which together push air quality well past safe limits each winter. Faisalabad and Gujranwala, other heavily industrialized cities in Pakistan’s Punjab province, struggle with similar pollution issues, driven by similar factors and leaving residents to cope with constant respiratory hazards.
Health and Safety Concerns Surge Amid Dense Smog
The impacts of such severe air pollution are extensive, with health officials in Pakistan urging residents, particularly vulnerable groups, to stay indoors. The Pakistani Environmental Protection Department recently issued high alert warnings as schools in several areas suspended outdoor activities until the end of January 2025. Both countries face visible signs of the smog crisis: cityscapes obscured by an orange haze and individuals wearing masks on motorcycles and streets to avoid inhaling the toxic air. Across Delhi and northern India, air pollution levels have registered more than 30 times the WHO’s safe limit, leading to mounting concerns over respiratory diseases, particularly among children and the elderly.
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The health effects of prolonged exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5), a fine pollutant prevalent in smog, are grave, causing respiratory issues such as chronic bronchitis, asthma exacerbation, and even contributing to cardiovascular diseases. PM2.5 particles are small enough to bypass body defenses and settle deep in the lungs, posing a long-term health threat. Studies in India have estimated that high levels of air pollution could shorten life expectancy by several years, affecting hundreds of millions of people. In Lahore, recent reports show AQI levels frequently exceeding 400 μg/m³ in peak winter months, far beyond the safe threshold of 50 μg/m³.
Steps Taken by Governments and the Challenges Ahead
In response, governments in both India and Pakistan have implemented several pollution-reduction initiatives. India’s Supreme Court recently condemned Punjab and Haryana state governments for not curbing illegal stubble burning, a major contributor to seasonal smog. India also launched a Clean Air Programme in 2019, targeting a 40% reduction in particulate matter by 2026 through stricter coal plant regulations, air monitoring systems, and biomass burning restrictions. While efforts have shown incremental progress in some areas, significant improvements in air quality have been minimal, suggesting further measures and enforcement are needed to meet safety goals.
Pakistan’s Punjab province has also introduced measures, including Metro bus and Orange Line train projects, to reduce traffic congestion and emissions. Heavy fines are imposed for crop burning, and there is a push for reforestation and public transportation to reduce reliance on private vehicles. However, these efforts remain limited compared to the scale of the problem, with experts stressing the need for stronger emission standards, better fuel quality, and relocation of industries away from city centers. Public awareness is critical for success, with officials urging cooperation and media support in educating citizens on pollution reduction.
With smog season only beginning, northern India and eastern Pakistan face ongoing challenges in battling pollution that threatens millions. As initiatives continue, their efficacy will depend on both governmental resolve and public participation in making cleaner air a reality.