Every year, with the advent of the winter season, the upper and the central parts of the country stand overtaken by puffy fog; and the blend of fog, smoke and dust turns into smog. Chopping of trees, setting the remains of the yields, heaps of stinking refuse, smoke-extruding vehicles and factories account for smog, which is hazardous to health, as the public suffers from ENT and eye problems; the patients of asthma and respiratory issues are more vulnerable to smog. Currently, Lahore – the heart of Pakistan – is the worst sufferer.
The Govt. of Punjab, keeping the severity of smog in view, has taken a few anti-smog remedies such a limiting the plying of vehicular traffic on roads, asked the public to stay indoors, shutting down of business out-lets, closure of parks, restaurants etc. In my opinion, this is a make-shift solution to the menace of smog, and a barrier to a crippling economy and a hindrance to the academic activities of the students.
In order to tackle the issue of smog, there is a need to conceive and implement such well-coherent policy/plan of action which helps in doing away with the menace of smog on a permanent footing.
SOHAIL NASIR,
Rawalpindi.
