Smog! A New Threat Emerging in India and Pakistan

Smog: A Growing Hazard in India and Pakistan 

The competition for the world's most polluted city is being run in between Lahore and New Delhi.

Pakistan ranks 179 & India ranks 176 out of 180 countries on the Environmental Performance Index. 

According to the World Health Organisation, air pollution in Pakistan is expected to increase by 50% by 2030.

In recent years, smog has emerged as a significant environmental and public health threat in South Asia, especially in India and Pakistan. This hazardous mixture of smoke and fog, scientifically known as “photochemical smog,” results from complex reactions between pollutants like nitrogen oxides and sunlight. The issue has garnered increasing concern due to its profound health impacts, economic costs, and detrimental effects on regional ecosystems.

What is SMOG!

Smog is essentially a cocktail of smoke and fog, intensified in colder weather when emissions from vehicles, industries, and burning biomass combine with cooler air and sunlight. Known as photochemical smog, it forms primarily when nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and other pollutants react under sunlight. The resultant particulate matter, particularly PM 2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller), can easily penetrate the respiratory system and bloodstream, posing severe health risks.

Definition of Smog

The term "smog" is a portmanteau of the words "smoke" and "fog". It's a particulate cloud that's often seen over urban areas. The term "smog" was first used in the early 1900s to describe a mix of smoke and fog. In 1909, more than 1,000 people died from smog in Glasgow and Edinburgh alone. 

What is Air Quality Index

Air quality is measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI) in particulate matter (PM) units. Recently, Lahore’s AQI levels for smog and pollution surpassed 700 for the first time in recorded history. According to NASA, between 15,000 and 18,000 fires were lit across India and Pakistan to clear fields. Farmers commonly burn rice stubble after harvesting, especially toward the end of October, resulting in massive amounts of airborne pollutants. Reports indicate that in India alone, approximately 32 million tons of rice stubble were burned.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is typically categorized into six levels, each representing a different level of air quality and its impact on health. Here’s the standard AQI scale used by many countries, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): 

Types of Smog

There are two main types of smog:  

• Photochemical smog: This type of smog is most common in urban areas. It's created when sunlight reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from car exhaust, coal power plants, and factory emissions.  

• Sulphurous smog: Also known as "London smog", this type of smog is caused by high concentrations of sulfur oxides (SOx) in the air from fossil fuels like coal. It's made worse by dampness and particulate matter (PM).

Smog Situation in Region

On November 10, 2024, NASA released an image showing Pakistan’s Punjab province shrouded in thick smog, visible even from space. This image was circulated widely by global media outlets.

The contest for the world's most polluted city is currently between Lahore and New Delhi. Sometimes one is ahead, sometimes the other. Annually, Lahore ranks as the 5th most polluted city globally, 

Faisalabad ranks 12th, 

and Peshawar ranks 34th.

Out of the world's 50 most polluted cities, 42 are in India and 3 in Pakistan. This makes our region the epicenter of global pollution. Among the most polluted countries, Bangladesh ranks first, Pakistan second, and India third.

Multan AQI crosses 2,000 Mark

In Multan, the air quality index (AQI) hit a staggering 2,135, a level far beyond safe limits. This AQI reading is more than six times the "hazardous" threshold of 300.

Why Doesn’t Smog Form in Karachi or Mumbai?

Smog, a pressing environmental challenge, is a common phenomenon in cities like Lahore and Delhi but is notably absent in coastal cities such as Karachi and Mumbai. Understanding why this disparity exists requires a look at weather patterns, geographical features, and pollution dynamics.  

Smog formation relies heavily on two conditions: high pollution levels and specific atmospheric factors. In regions like Lahore and Delhi, cooler weather during winter leads to fog—a collection of water droplets suspended in the air. When pollution particles mix with fog, they create the dense, hazardous haze we call smog.  

In contrast, Karachi and Mumbai, being coastal cities, benefit from steady sea breezes. These winds disperse pollutants, preventing fog and smog from forming. The absence of stagnant air conditions means that pollution particles don’t settle in one place, unlike in landlocked regions prone to still weather. 

Who is Responsible for Smog?  

In Punjab, transportation contributes the most to smog at 43%. The industrial sector follows with 25%, agriculture at 20%, and emissions from coal-fired power plants and generators at 12%. If we focus solely on Lahore, 83% of its smog is due to vehicle emissions. In Pakistan, motorcycles alone consume 40% of the total fuel.

While weather plays a significant role in smog formation, human activities remain the primary driver. In Pakistan, 83% of air pollution comes from vehicles. The sheer volume of automobiles and motorcycles on the road contributes significantly to the problem:  

• Over 4 million cars and 24 million motorcycles operate in Pakistan.  
• In the past five years alone, Pakistan imported petroleum products worth $73 billion. Of this, $15 billion worth of fuel was consumed by motorcycles, which account for 69% of vehicular emissions. Cars and jeeps contribute an additional 23%.  

These staggering figures highlight the scale of pollution stemming from the transportation sector.  

Why Is Pakistan Lagging in Cleaner Fuel Technology?  

Globally, countries have shifted to cleaner fuel standards like Euro 5, which significantly reduces vehicular emissions. This advanced fuel, also known as "high-octane," produces up to 60% less toxic emissions compared to regular fuel.  

However, Pakistan continues to use Euro 2, a far less efficient and more polluting grade of fuel. The reliance on outdated standards exacerbates the air quality crisis, as vehicles emit higher concentrations of harmful gases.  

If Pakistan transitioned to Euro 5 fuel and mandated its use across all vehicles, it would drastically reduce the severity of air pollution, especially in smog-prone regions.  

Health Impacts of Smog Exposure  

The adverse health effects of smog are well-documented. PM 2.5, which is especially prevalent in smog, is small enough to bypass natural body defenses and enter deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, aggravation of asthma, and, in some cases, premature death. In Pakistan alone, pollution-related illnesses claim over 125,000 lives annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 22% of deaths in Pakistan are linked to pollution, with a substantial portion attributed to air quality.

Smog exposure has also been shown to decrease life expectancy. A recent study found that long-term exposure to air pollution can reduce the average life expectancy by up to four years in Punjab, the hardest-hit region.

Environmental Factors: The Role of Agriculture and Industry 

Smog severely damages crops and ecosystems. 

Agricultural practices contribute significantly to seasonal smog, with crop residue burning a major factor. Each autumn, farmers in both India and Pakistan burn leftover stubble after the rice harvest. According to NASA, between 15,000 and 18,000 fires are ignited across the region during this time. A 2023 report highlighted that around 32 million tons of rice stubble were burned in India alone, releasing substantial pollutants into the atmosphere.

Urban sources also exacerbate the problem. Lahore’s transportation sector, for example, with around 5 million motorcycles, is a major contributor to smog. Converting these vehicles to electric power could markedly reduce emissions. Industrial emissions, especially from coal-fired plants and kilns, are significant contributors, as they release particulate matter and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. 

This escalating pollution poses a dire threat to public health and the environment. Immediate measures are needed to control emissions from key contributors, particularly the transportation and industrial sectors. Enhancing public transportation, adopting cleaner energy sources, and enforcing stringent environmental regulations can help mitigate this crisis.

Investing in green technologies, promoting awareness about the adverse effects of pollution, and international cooperation are crucial steps to safeguard our future. The time to act is now if we wish to breathe cleaner air and protect our planet for generations to come.

 

Comparative Lessons from The Great Smog of London  

The Great Smog of London in 1952 is an instructive historical precedent. The event, which resulted in nearly 10,000 deaths, led the United Kingdom to enact the Clean Air Act, restricting coal burning and imposing controls on industrial and vehicular emissions. Similar policies could be adapted for South Asia to address smog and pollution-related challenges.

Economic Costs of Smog 

Beyond health impacts, the economic toll of smog is immense. A 2022 World Bank report estimated that air pollution cost the Indian economy approximately $95 billion annually, or around 3% of its GDP, due to productivity losses, healthcare costs, and premature deaths. Pakistan, too, faces significant economic strain from pollution, with healthcare costs rising in proportion to the increasing air quality index (AQI).

Protective Measures for Individuals 

In the face of persistent smog, personal protection is also crucial. Reducing outdoor activities during high-smog days, using air purifiers indoors, and wearing protective masks outdoors can help mitigate individual exposure to harmful particles.

Solutions: A Call for Regional Cooperation 

Given the trans-boundary nature of air pollution, regional collaboration is essential. Both India and Pakistan need to coordinate a comprehensive action plan. Introducing stricter emissions standards, promoting cleaner technologies in agriculture and transportation, and educating farmers on alternatives to crop burning could all make a substantial impact. Incentives for sustainable farming methods, along with penalties for burning practices, might encourage wider adoption. Encouraging farmers to adopt alternative methods could help curb this smoke.

Moreover, bikes and transport should be shifted from fossil fuels to electric energy.

Fossil-fuelled plants should be converted to other resources like renewable energy.

Tackling the smog crisis in South Asia requires immediate, well-coordinated action. While smog is not a new phenomenon, the scale and severity it has reached in India and Pakistan are unprecedented. As other countries have shown, policy reforms, technological solutions, and community involvement can make a difference. Collaborative efforts between India and Pakistan, driven by a shared action plan, could transform smog from a perpetual threat to a managed challenge, benefiting the health, economy, and environment of the entire region.

The Path Forward  

To address smog effectively, a multipronged approach is necessary:  

1. Upgrade Fuel Standards: Transitioning to Euro 5 fuel is critical for reducing toxic emissions.  

2. Promote Public Transport: Reducing the reliance on personal vehicles can significantly cut down emissions. Investments in efficient and affordable public transit systems are essential.  

3. Encourage Electric Vehicles: A shift toward electric and hybrid vehicles can alleviate the environmental burden caused by traditional fuel consumption.  

4. Adopt Urban Greenery: Planting trees and creating green belts can absorb pollutants and improve air quality.  

5. Strengthen Regulation: Enforcing stricter emission standards for vehicles and industries will ensure accountability and compliance.  

Smog is a reminder of the environmental toll of unchecked human activity. While Karachi and Mumbai escape its grip due to their coastal climates, cities like Lahore and Delhi suffer its full impact. Addressing this challenge requires not only technological upgrades but also a collective commitment to sustainable practices.  

The solution lies in proactive measures—transitioning to cleaner fuels, adopting greener transportation options, and enforcing robust environmental regulations. Only through such initiatives can we breathe cleaner air and pave the way for a healthier future.