Punjab govt seeks Chinese help against smog

Lahore: Punjab provincial government has sought Chinese help to address the prevalent smog situation throughout the province.

Bilal Afzal, the Provincial Environment Minister, convened a meeting with Chinese Consul General Zhao Shirin to discuss the issue.

The discussion centered around the prospect of engaging environmental experts from China. Minister Bilal Afzal emphasized the seriousness of the Punjab Chief Minister’s efforts to find a lasting solution to the smog predicament.

Acknowledging the need for cooperation with the Chinese government, he pointed out that Lahore’s air quality index had surged to a concerning level of approximately 400.

Given the urgency, the interim solution proposed was artificial rain. The minister said the Punjab government aimed to foster collaboration between Chinese universities and environmental institutions to tackle smog.

Bilal Afzal asserted that while the smog was expected to dissipate in the next month, a permanent solution was being sought for the coming years.

He attributed 30 percent of Lahore’s current smog intensity to winds from India and the remaining 70 percent to local sources like transportation, industries, and dust.

On the occasion, the Chinese Consul General commended the steps taken by the Punjab Chief Minister and expressed readiness to offer technical support for an immediate smog solution. He suggested constructing an Air Purification Tower in Lahore to combat air pollution.

Despite recent rain, the smog situation in Lahore has worsened. The provincial metropolis witnessed a resurgence in smog after reopening educational institutions following a four-day hiatus. The city’s temperatures ranged from 16 to 26 degrees Celsius, with no anticipated rainfall during the ongoing week, according to meteorological department.

Medical experts cautioned about the dangers of increased air pollution, particularly for vulnerable groups, urging citizens to use masks and glasses when outdoors.

In response to the escalating smog crisis, the Lahore High Court ordered the closure of all schools and colleges in Punjab on November 18, recommending a two-day work-from-home period for employers.

The Punjab government subsequently announced plans for artificial rain in Lahore on November 28, underscoring the severity of the situation and the need for decisive action.