In recent weeks, the cities of Lahore in Pakistan and New Delhi in India have been shrouded in a thick, toxic blanket of smog that is visible even from space. This environmental disaster is not only choking the cities but also threatening the lives of millions of residents. Nasa’s satellite images have highlighted the gravity of the situation, showing a grey haze stretching across large areas of eastern Pakistan and northern India.
The Air Quality Index in these cities has reached dangerous levels. Lahore recorded an AQI of 1165, far beyond the safe limit of 50, while Multan’s AQI peaked at an unprecedented 2,135. Delhi, though slightly better, still hovers around 350, which is hazardous. These figures underline the magnitude of air pollution in the region, making it one of the worst-affected areas in the world.
The primary sources of this smog include industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and the burning of crop stubble in rural areas. Combined with colder winter temperatures and stagnant winds, these pollutants remain trapped close to the ground, suffocating residents.
The consequences of this pollution are severe. According to the World Health Organization, prolonged exposure to high levels of particles can cause strokes, heart disease, respiratory problems, and even cognitive impairment in children. Elderly residents, children, and those with pre-existing conditions are at the greatest risk.
In response, authorities in Lahore have declared a health emergency. Schools have been closed, and outdoor activities have been banned to protect children. Warnings have also been issued for elderly people to stay indoors. In Multan, where the air quality is even worse, parks and zoos have been shut down, and measures to curb pollution from local businesses have been introduced.
Efforts to tackle this crisis have begun, albeit on a small scale compared to the severity of the problem. Punjab’s “smog war room” has been set up in Pakistan to identify and reduce pollution sources, such as agricultural burning and traffic congestion. However, with pollution levels so high, immediate relief seems difficult.
In Delhi, measures such as restrictions on vehicle movement, stubble, and industrial regulations are being discussed. Yet, enforcement remains a challenge, as millions depend on these activities for their livelihoods.
This smog crisis is a wake-up call for everyone. While governments are taking steps, it is clear that addressing pollution requires collective action. People must prioritize cleaner energy sources, reduce vehicle usage, and adopt sustainable farming practices. Industrial policies need to ensure compliance with strict environmental regulations.
As a student of this generation, it saddens me to see the environment being destroyed at such a scale. Pollution affects not just the air we breathe but also the health and well-being of millions of people, including future generations. The time to act is now because we cannot afford to lose any more lives to this invisible killer.
Smog in Delhi
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