ISLAMABAD: Smog, a toxic cocktail of fog and pollution, has become a recurring environmental and public health crisis in Pakistan. Cities like Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujranwala often make headlines for their hazardous air quality, especially during winters. This problem not only threatens human health but also exacerbates environmental degradation, hinders economic growth and exacerbates climate challenges. To address this crisis, innovative solutions such as Integrated Resource Recovery Centers (IRRCs) and sustainable crop residue management offer promising avenues.
Smog is mainly caused by particulate matter emissions (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This pollution comes from industrial emissions, vehicular emissions, and the infamous burning of crop residues. According to the World Air Quality Report 2023, Lahore ranks among the most polluted cities worldwide, with its AQI often exceeding dangerous levels. The health effects of smog are alarming: respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and an increased risk of lung cancer are just the tip of the iceberg. The economic toll is substantial, with annual losses in the billions of dollars due to reduced agricultural production, health care costs and reduced labor productivity.
A major cause of smog in Pakistan is crop residue burning, particularly in Punjab. After harvesting crops such as wheat and rice, farmers often burn the leftover straw as there are no affordable and accessible alternatives for its disposal. This process releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, methane and black carbon into the atmosphere, which not only contribute to smog but also to global warming. Integrated Resource Recovery Centers (IRRCs) can play an important role in reducing smog by converting waste, including crop residues, into valuable resources. These centers operate on circular economy principles, focusing on waste reduction, recycling, and resource recovery.
In the context of crop residues, IRRCs can convert agricultural waste into compost: organic fertilizers that improve soil health and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. Bioenergy: Biomass briquettes or pellets, which serve as an environmentally friendly fuel alternative for industrial use.
Raw material: pulp for paper or biodegradable packaging materials, reducing environmental impact. This method not only eliminates the need to burn crop poultices, but also generates economic benefits for farmers through the sale of compost or bioenergy. Additionally, IRRCs promote sustainable practices, provide employment opportunities, enhance rural livelihoods.
For IRRCs and other sustainable practices to be successful, a multi-pronged approach involving government, civil society and private stakeholders is important: Subsidies and incentives: Government should provide subsidies for setting up machinery like IRRCs and happy seeders, Which can be sown without seeds. Clean the pegs.
Strict enforcement of laws: Penalties for burning crop residues should be strictly enforced while offering viable alternatives to farmers. Public awareness campaigns: Farmers and urban dwellers must be made aware of the harmful effects of smog and the benefits of sustainable waste management. Private Sector Involvement: Collaboration with industries to adopt biomass-based fuels can create demand for processed crop residues.
Advanced technologies such as satellite monitoring and IoT devices can help track crop burns and identify hotspots, enabling timely intervention. Additionally, air purifiers and urban green belts can reduce the immediate effects of smog in cities. Smog is not an inevitable scourge but a challenge that can be addressed through sustainable practices and collective action. By integrating resource recovery into agricultural and urban waste management frameworks, Pakistan can turn crisis into opportunity. Solutions like IRRCs offer a path to cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more resilient environment. With the right policies, technological development and public participation, Pakistan can tackle the smog problem and set an example for sustainable development in the region.— Samira Gill