Experts propose 90-day emergency plan to tackle Lahore’s smog crisis

Lahore: To combat the worsening smog and air pollution in the city, experts have proposed a 90-day emergency action plan.

The plan was presented during a dialogue session titled “Guftugu”, organized under Code for Pakistan in Lahore. The event was attended by government officials, environmental experts, legal professionals, representatives of farmers, and leaders from the private sector.

Experts warned that smog could reduce the average lifespan of Lahore’s residents by nearly seven years. Last year alone, approximately 1.9 million patients sought treatment for respiratory illnesses in Punjab’s hospitals during just one month.

Ali Ejaz, Deputy Director at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lahore, stated that smog is not just an environmental concern but a severe public health crisis, which requires a coordinated response from all institutions.

The proposed action plan, based on expert recommendations, includes: A complete ban on crop burning and provision of alternative methods for farmers. Elimination of waste burning. Strict enforcement against smoke-emitting vehicles. Permission for operation only to kilns using modern (zigzag) technology.

Other measures proposed include tree plantation at city entry points and along major roads. Enhancing greenery in educational institutions. Running public awareness campaigns. Promoting ride-sharing and the use of electric vehicles.