The city of Lahore has been drenched in dense clouds of smog since the last month. It has created visibility problems and a number of health related issues as well. The lack of awareness among the masses has resulted in them continuing with their routines, without realizing that these unnecessary trips might actually be damaging them from the inside.
The government’s lack of initiative to tackle smog left people using normal surgical masks
Thinking that they would protect them but they in fact do not offer the required protection needed to remain safe in case of smog.
The little ray of hope in the middle of this situation was the chance of rain in the city. The rain is the only factor which can break away chains of smog and do away with our realisation of how badly we have ruined our environment. The lack of environmental concerns on part of our policy makes comes right in front of us every year in the form of smog.
Since yesterday, after a streak of diseases, accidents and even deaths, it has finally starting raining in Lahore
The few millimetres of rain was able to push away the smog. People of Lahore and adjoining areas were finally able to see the clear blue sky and enjoy the tinge of cold. But of course, there is always some palpable news waiting for us around the corner.
But after the rain, farmers are all ready to bring back the smog
Hammad Khan Naqi, the CEO of WWF Pakistan, tweeted that the farmers in the adjoining areas of Lahore are burning down rice stubble. And this process alone is creating a lot of smoke, which will add up to the pollution of the environment.
Here is the original tweet
It's business as usual after a short relief from few mm of rain. Farmers continue to burn rice stubble near Lahore #smog @GovtOfPunjab @PakAirQuality pic.twitter.com/38P8yLKuxx
— Hammad Naqi Khan (@hnaqikhan) November 15, 2017
He called out the government of Punjab and Pakistan Air Control to keep a check on what is happening and be vigilant in the matter. This is so because crop residue burning was banned by the government.
People on twitter are also pushing for action in this regard
Pak Air Control was quick to respond to the matter and pointed out something important
Another twitter user claimed that those farmers have been arrested, but no news agency has confirmed the news
The reason why this information is important for you to pay attention is that pollution affects us all, even if we choose to ignore it or take action against it. If you find such instances, the government needs to be alerted at once. We cannot breathe in the pollutants any longer.