Lahore's Air Pollution: Understanding The Root Causes

Lahore, Pakistan, has been rated as the world's most polluted city, with an air quality index (AQI) score of 1165—over 120 times the levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The air pollution in Lahore is caused by a combination of vehicle and industrial emissions, smoke from brick kilns, the burning of crop residue and general waste, and dust from construction sites. The situation in Lahore highlights the urgent need for a collective global response, as cities such as Dhaka, New Delhi, and Kabul face similar challenges.

Industrial emissions

Lahore's air quality is so poor that it has been described as "unbreathable," and it directly threatens human life. The city's air pollution has been attributed to a combination of factors, including industrial emissions, vehicular emissions, smoke from brick kilns, the burning of crop residue and general waste, and dust from construction sites.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations are especially high in Lahore, and these hazardous particles have been linked to a range of respiratory and cardiovascular issues. The elevated levels of PM2.5 in Lahore's air far exceed the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), posing a serious health risk to the millions of people living in the region. Short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.

The government has recognised the severity of the problem and is taking steps to address it. Under the Punjab Green Development Program (PGDP) project, there are plans to establish 10 air quality monitoring stations in Lahore. The provincial government has also taken measures to reduce pollution from brick kilns, a significant source of emissions.

The air pollution in Lahore is not an isolated incident but is part of a broader global air pollution crisis. Cities worldwide, such as Dhaka, New Delhi, and Kabul, face similar challenges in combating hazardous air quality. It is crucial to tackle industrial emissions and other sources of pollution to improve the air quality in Lahore and protect the health and well-being of its residents. Current air quality levels are still unhealthy, and people are advised to limit outdoor activities.

Vehicular emissions

Lahore, the capital of Pakistan's most populous province, Punjab, has a population of about 13 million people and is a major hub for commerce, banking, and industry. The high population density and economic activity contribute to heavy traffic and, consequently, elevated levels of vehicle emissions. In addition to the health risks posed by PM2.5, vehicle emissions also release harmful gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO), which can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.

The impact of vehicular emissions on Lahore's air quality has been recognised by officials, who have previously attributed the city's pollution to vehicle fuel of poor quality. To mitigate this issue, authorities have implemented measures such as banning three-wheelers or rickshaws during periods of high pollution. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to play their part in reducing vehicular emissions by carpooling or using public transportation, and by switching to greener fuel alternatives. These collective efforts are crucial in improving the city's air quality and protecting the health and well-being of Lahore's residents.

Lahore's air quality crisis is not an isolated incident but reflects a broader global air pollution challenge. The city's experience underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that address the complex interplay of factors contributing to poor air quality. By tackling vehicular emissions, along with industrial emissions, agricultural practices, and construction activities, Lahore can make significant strides towards cleaner air and improved public health outcomes.

Crop burning

The air pollution caused by crop burning has severe health impacts on the people of Lahore. Jawaria, a master's student living in the city, described how "it's become a physical ordeal just to go outdoors". The air quality index considers a rating of 50 or below to be "healthy". In 2024, Lahore's air quality index soared above 700. The air pollution in Lahore has become so severe that clean air has become a luxury only accessible to the wealthy. Ammar Ali Jan, a historian in Lahore, commented on this issue, stating that "only the elite who can afford air purifiers can breathe safely – it’s a form of apartheid".

The annual "pollution season" in Lahore has been described as the "complete murder of our young". The poor air quality has been linked to the large-scale loss of trees due to the construction of new roads and buildings. This loss of trees contributes to the air pollution caused by crop burning, as there are fewer trees to absorb the pollutants and clean the air.

To address the issue of crop burning and improve air quality in Lahore, individuals, governments, and authorities must work together. Individuals can reduce their personal emissions by carpooling, using public transportation, and switching to greener fuel alternatives. The government of Punjab, Pakistan, has proposed a "smog diplomacy" initiative with India to tackle the issue of dangerously high levels of air pollution affecting both countries. Additionally, under the Punjab Green Development Program (PGDP) project, there are plans to establish 10 air quality monitoring stations in Lahore.

Construction dust

Lahore's air has become not just polluted but unbreathable, posing a direct threat to human life. The air pollution in Lahore is caused by a combination of factors, including vehicle and industrial emissions, smoke from brick kilns, the burning of crop residue, and construction dust. The city's proximity to the border with India also contributes to the problem, as toxic air from the neighbouring country can affect Lahore's air quality.

Additionally, construction dust can contain particles of wood, drywall, and other building materials that can become airborne and contribute to the overall particulate matter in the air. These particles can be inhaled, leading to respiratory issues and other health problems. The impact of construction dust on air quality is particularly concerning in Lahore, where there is a high level of construction activity due to the city's rapid urban development.

To mitigate the impact of construction dust on air quality, it is essential to implement effective dust control measures. This includes wetting down surfaces to prevent dust from becoming airborne, using dust collection systems, and ensuring proper waste management practices on construction sites. By taking these measures, it is possible to reduce the amount of construction dust released into the atmosphere and improve the overall air quality in Lahore.

Poor-quality vehicle fuel

The air pollution in Lahore has been attributed to a variety of factors, including vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, brick kiln smoke, crop residue burning, and general waste burning. Among these, poor-quality vehicle fuel stands out as a significant contributor.

The non-governmental environmental group Climate Action Centre (CAC) has specifically highlighted the role of petrol and diesel emissions in Lahore's air pollution. According to CAC Director Yasir Hussain, vehicle emissions, particularly from petrol and diesel, are primary contributors to the city's pollution levels, accounting for a staggering 80% of Lahore's pollution. This is in contrast to the prevailing view that smog in Lahore is primarily due to crop residue burning in India.

Hussain's research indicates that local fuel burning is a major factor in the city's pollution crisis. The alarming air quality index (AQI) scores in Lahore, which have exceeded 1000 on multiple occasions, further emphasize the urgency of the situation. The high levels of pollution have led to Lahore being ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the world, with the air quality reaching unhealthy levels for sensitive groups and even affecting the health of healthy individuals.

The impact of poor-quality vehicle fuel on Lahore's air pollution is evident when considering the high volume of vehicles on the road. With a population of about 13 million people, Lahore is a bustling hub for commerce, banking, and industry. This high level of economic activity inevitably leads to a large number of vehicles on the roads, with a corresponding increase in vehicle emissions. The situation is further exacerbated by the use of petrol and diesel fuels, which are known to produce high levels of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds.

To address the issue of poor-quality vehicle fuel, a comprehensive national strategy is required. This includes implementing measures to reduce vehicle emissions, such as shifting to electric cars, creating vehicle-free zones, and adopting cleaner fuel alternatives. Individual actions, such as carpooling, taking public transportation, and switching to greener fuel options, can also play a significant role in reducing vehicle emissions and improving Lahore's air quality.

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