BY : Shabbir Yousuf Mandvi Wala.
Karachi : As winter draws near, Punjab once again faces severe smog—a public health and environmental crisis that affects millions. Each year, the air quality deteriorates, leading to respiratory issues, decreased visibility, and an alarming rise in health complications, especially among the young and elderly. Despite the annual recurrence of this problem, tangible, lasting solutions seem elusive.
While crop burning and industrial emissions are often cited as primary culprits, government inaction compounds the problem. Urgent steps are needed, such as promoting clean energy sources, regulating emissions, and implementing stricter vehicle inspection policies. Public awareness campaigns and support for farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices would also go a long way.
We need sustainable solutions, not just temporary fixes. The smog crisis highlights our broader environmental challenges, underscoring the necessity of prioritizing climate action and public health. For the sake of future generations, it’s time to act decisively.
