The smog crisis in Punjab, especially in urban centres like Lahore, has become an annual environmental and public health challenge. The phenomenon, caused by a combination of local and transboundary factors, leads to hazardous air quality, disrupts daily life, and imposes severe health risks. This year, smog began earlier than usual due to haze appearing at the end of October, exacerbated by stagnant weather patterns that trapped pollutants closer to the ground. In addition, the issue has been compounded by transboundary pollution, particularly from stubble burning in India. In response, the Punjab government and judiciary have launched immediate and long-term measures to mitigate the crisis while emphasising sustainable solutions.
Smog results from the accumulation of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere. Weather conditions, such as low wind speeds, high humidity, and temperature inversion, exacerbate the problem by trapping ground-level pollutants. While local emissions from agriculture, transport, industry, and energy sectors contribute significantly, satellite data and environmental authorities highlight the critical role of transboundary pollution in aggravating Punjab’s air quality crisis.
This year, NASA estimates that fires from stubble burning in Pakistan and India will reach between 15,500 and 18,500 — a higher figure than most years. Stubble burning remains a significant contributor to smog, with emissions from both Pakistani and Indian fields playing a pivotal role. Farmers in Punjab, Pakistan, and across the border in India rely on this quick yet environmentally damaging practice to prepare fields for the next crop cycle. The burning releases massive amounts of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants, creating a regional haze that affects air quality in both countries.
According to Pakistan’s Environment Protection Agency, 30 per cent of Lahore’s smog originates from across the border in India, where farmers burn post-harvest stubble to clear fields for the next planting season. While India has doubled fines for stubble burning on 7 November, NASA’s findings suggest that enforcement remains limited, as evidenced by the high number of fires this year. Similarly, despite government initiatives, farmers face logistical and financial constraints when adopting sustainable alternatives in Pakistan.
According to Pakistan’s Environment Protection Agency, 30 per cent of Lahore’s smog originates from across the border in India, where farmers burn post-harvest stubble to clear fields for the next planting season.
The Punjab government has introduced measures such as subsidised “super seeders” and rice straw shredders, offering a 60 per cent cost reduction to encourage adoption. Volunteers and drone-equipped monitoring squads identify stubble-burning hotspots, and awareness campaigns educate farmers on the environmental and health impacts. However, cross-border collaboration remains crucial to mitigate the transboundary nature of this issue effectively.
Another major contributor of smog is vehicular emissions, which are responsible for 39 per cent of Punjab’s air pollution according to The Urban Unit report titled “Air Pollution Emission Inventory of Punjab, Pakistan (1990-2020)”, making them the largest local contributor. Lahore, home to over 30 per cent of the province’s vehicles, faces significant challenges with vehicular emissions, including nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. The lack of stringent emissions regulations and the use of substandard fuel further exacerbate the problem.
In response, the Punjab government has launched the Green Masstransit Programme, introducing electric buses and promoting electric vehicles to reduce fossil fuel dependence. The expansion of the Vehicle Inspection and Certification System (VICS) and deployment of gas analysers at traffic intersections are further efforts to monitor and regulate emissions. These initiatives aim to reduce localised pollution hotspots and alleviate pressure on urban air quality.
According to The Urban Unit report, industries account for 24 per cent of Punjab’s air pollution, with brick kilns, tyre pyrolysis plants, and other industrial units as major sources of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide. Many industrial operations are unregulated, operating outside designated zones and using substandard fuels.
The government has taken strict action to address industrial pollution, mandating the conversion of brick kilns to zig-zag technology, which reduces emissions by up to 60 per cent. Real-time monitoring via CCTV and drones ensures compliance, while the ban on pyrolysis plants and heavy fines for violations signal the government’s commitment to improving air quality.
The Urban Unit report concludes that the energy sector contributes 16 per cent to air pollution, primarily from coal and biomass combustion. Fugitive dust and methane emissions from poor waste management practices in the municipal sector add another 9 per cent. Construction activities and open waste burning further exacerbate urban pollution.
To address these challenges, the Punjab government has launched the Roshan Gharana Programme, targeting the solarisation of government buildings and low-energy households. Sprinkling water at construction sites and enhanced waste management systems aim to curb fugitive emissions in the municipal sector.
In response to worsening air quality in Punjab, the Lahore High Court has mandated urgent measures to combat the smog crisis. Key directives include implementing a work-from-home policy for certain sectors to curb vehicular emissions and enforcing an 8 pm closure for markets to conserve energy and reduce nighttime traffic. Smoke-emitting heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses, have been banned from key urban roads, while enhanced traffic management with police deployment aims to minimise congestion. A strict penalty of Rs50,000 has also been introduced for exceeding emission standards. These measures complement the government’s initiatives and provide an enforcement framework to tackle the crisis.
The Punjab government has announced some immediate alleviation measures. Schools were closed in affected districts across Punjab to protect children from smog, alongside imposing local lockdowns. A Smog Monitoring Unit (SMU) has been established to centralise oversight and coordinate efforts across sectors. Anti-smog squads equipped with drones and mobile monitoring units actively identify and penalise violations. The use of satellite imagery and geospatial tools enhances enforcement capabilities, ensuring timely interventions.
Through a combination of advanced monitoring, community engagement, and strict enforcement, Punjab is on the path to achieving its vision of a “smog-less Punjab,” ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for its citizens.
Awareness campaigns via the Green Punjab App, social media platforms, and grassroots activities educate citizens on reducing pollution. The government has issued several public health advisories through these platforms to minimise outdoor exposure during high AQI periods. Dedicated smog counters in hospitals provide immediate assistance to patients suffering from respiratory illnesses. Free medical camps and health advisories aim to protect vulnerable populations during peak smog periods.
The Punjab government has outlined long-term strategies to combat pollution and improve environmental sustainability. These include enhancing the Punjab Environmental Quality Standards to match global benchmarks and collaborating with India on transboundary pollution control. Infrastructure initiatives focus on expanding public transport with electric buses, setting up EV charging stations, and implementing solid waste management systems across districts. Renewable energy is prioritised by solarising government buildings, biogas incentives, and promoting cleaner industrial technologies. Additionally, urban reforestation projects will increase tree cover, while green building codes encourage energy-efficient construction practices.
Punjab’s smog crisis is a complex challenge driven by local and transboundary factors, particularly stubble burning in India and Pakistan. While judicial interventions provide immediate relief, the Punjab government must achieve its long-term targets for sustainable environmental management. Through a combination of advanced monitoring, community engagement, and strict enforcement, Punjab is on the path to achieving its vision of a “smog-less Punjab,” ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for its citizens.
