Major cities of Pakistan are under the envelope of smog, leading to many health issues across the country. Now, the issue is not limited to only Lahore but other cities are also facing smog alerts. Once known as the cleanest city, Islamabad is also facing a smog alert. In this critical condition of smog crisis in Pakistan, while many instant measures have been taken by the authorities to combat the smog crisis, it is necessary to find a long-term solution, which is solar energy.
If we want to ensure that our future generations breathe in clean air in Pakistan, we need to switch to solar energy. Keep reading this article to find in detail the current situation of the smog crisis in Pakistan and how solar energy is the perfect solution for it.
Instant measures being taken to combat smog in the capital city
First in Lahore, severe smoke was observed, where a smog alert has been imposed and people are strictly advised not to leave home without any valid reason. Even the schools, colleges, and universities are also closed so people can stay at home. Air pollution in Lahore is high during winters due to agricultural stubble burning, coal-fired power plants and brick kilns. The cool and dry air traps more pollution resulting in increased smog, which is now even visible from space.
Unfortunately, that is not only the case with Lahore, but now Islamabad is also facing a similar situation. While the situation is not as alarming as Lahore, it is not safe as well. Recently, the authorities in the capital city decided to take a lot of quick and strict steps to ensure that Islamabad doesn’t become the second Lahore and loses its natural beauty and cleanliness that the city is known for.
The Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICTA) has recently imposed restrictions on all brick kilns and smoke-emitting factories. As these industries emit toxic gases and pollutants, which become the major cause of the smog and air pollution, the ICTA has imposed strict restrictions to close them.
Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon, also conducted a meeting with the Assistant Commissioners, the Islamabad Transport Authority (ITA), and the Excise Department to create and implement measures to control the pollution-inducing emissions across the city.
DC Irfan Memon clearly stated that these measures are being taken to manage air pollution, and it is an attempt to save the city before it reaches severe smog conditions. As responsible citizens of Pakistan, it is also our duty to keep a check on our activities and ensure that we are not contributing to air pollution; otherwise, not only us and those around us, but our future generations will also have to face its consequences.
Switch to renewable energy to save the capital city
It is not only the commercial and industrial sites responsible for the harmful release in the environment that causes air pollution and smog, but the residential properties also contribute to it. Each person is responsible for their carbon footprint, and if we want our environment to be safe from air pollution, we need to reduce our carbon footprint. Our energy consumption has direct effect on rapid climate change. Therefore, by switching our homes to solar energy we can also make a difference. This way we won’t be relying on fossil fuels for our energy needs, and there will be no harmful releases in the environment because of fossil fuels.
Another way we can make a major difference is by switching large commercial and industrial properties to solar energy. As the energy needs of such properties are high, they are also responsible for higher emissions in the environment. By switching such large properties to solar energy, we can make a huge difference to reduce pollution, rapid climate change, and decrease carbon footprint. This step will benefit both sides, as factories will also benefit with no skyrocketing electricity bills and will not face issues like load-shedding and power cuts.
Why is solar energy the best solution to deal with the smog crisis in Pakistan?
Solar energy comes as a reliable solution to combat the smog crisis in the country because it ensures clean air, which is extremely necessary for a strong and healthy society and a breathable environment. Solar energy is clean; unlike traditional energy, there are no harmful emissions in the environment that could lead to pollution or worsen the air quality. Solar energy doesn’t produce greenhouse gases or any other pollutants like NOx, SO2, or VOCs. It means no matter how much solar energy you consume, you won’t be adding pollutants to the environment.
The reduction in reliance on fossil fuels on a large scale will also help in clearing smog, which will ultimately lower respiratory risks and other health issues. Fossil fuels are known to release a large number of pollutants. It was reported that in 2023 alone, the world emitted 36.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels. If we switch our homes, commercial and industrial sites to solar energy, we can drastically reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and, in return, these harmful emissions as well.
Moreover, solar is a versatile and easily accessible source of energy. It can be utilized no matter whether you are in a rural area where there is no electricity at all or in an area that faces severe load-shedding problems. Solar energy is independent of all these factors and easily accessible if you have quality solar panels and systems.
Wrapping It Up!
It’s high time we opt for a sustainable energy source to ensure that these smog and air pollution issues will not elongate in the future. By switching to solar energy, we can make a huge difference to combat the smog crisis in Islamabad and other cities of Pakistan. To ensure you get high-quality solar panels and inverters, get in touch with Doart Energy. Together, we can contribute to a clean, green, and sustainable Pakistan!
