Smog Reduction & Sustainable Urban Growth in Lahore

To tackle the persistent smog in Punjab, Pakistan, a comprehensive strategy is needed that addresses the multiple contributors to air pollution: traffic emissions, industrial output, and agricultural burning. The solution includes embracing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, not only for reducing urban emissions but also to bridge rural-urban divides, supporting rural livelihoods while promoting sustainable urban transport.

The Smog Crisis and its Causes

Punjab’s worsening smog situation is driven by three major sources: vehicular traffic, industrial pollution, and the widespread burning of agricultural residues. Each of these sources contributes significantly to air pollution, exacerbating health issues such as respiratory diseases, eye irritation, and cardiovascular problems among urban populations. Lahore’s situation is particularly urgent, with the city often recording hazardous air quality levels that demand immediate and effective solutions.

Traffic Emissions: A Dominant Contributor

Punjab’s growing urban centers, especially Lahore, see high traffic volumes daily. Vehicular emissions, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, contribute heavily to smog formation, especially during the colder months when pollutants linger in the air. Older, fuel-inefficient vehicles are a significant part of the problem, as are private cars, which congest city roads and release harmful gases. The emissions from these vehicles accumulate in densely populated areas, creating thick layers of smog that make breathing unsafe.

Industrial Pollution: The Role of Factories and Brick Kilns

Factories, especially those located near urban areas, release a variety of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which exacerbate air pollution and smog. Brick kilns, which are prevalent in Pakistan, are another major source of emissions. The traditional kilns operate with outdated technology that burns fuel inefficiently, releasing toxic pollutants into the atmosphere. These kilns are especially problematic in peri-urban areas and contribute to the spread of pollutants across both rural and urban boundaries.

Agricultural Burning: A Seasonal Aggravator

Agricultural residue burning, a common practice among farmers in rural Punjab, significantly contributes to air pollution. Farmers burn crop residues after the harvest, especially rice straw, to clear fields quickly for the next planting season. This releases a massive amount of particulate matter and carbon dioxide, contributing to the smog that settles over Punjab’s urban areas, particularly during the winter.

BRT Systems: A Path to Cleaner Urban Air

The Metro Bus System (MBS), Lahore’s first Bus Rapid Transit initiative, offers a promising approach to reducing emissions and curbing smog levels. The MBS provides an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to private and commercial vehicles, reducing the number of cars on the road. The Metro Bus is far more efficient than older public transport options and emits significantly less pollution.

The BRT system’s regular scheduling and air-conditioned buses make it especially appealing to Lahore’s residents. Commuters, especially those who previously relied on fuel-inefficient public transport or older vehicles, benefit from a reliable, low-cost, and comfortable mode of transport. The system’s popularity has led to decreased reliance on other modes of transport, reducing overall traffic emissions. With an affordable fare, the MBS has become the go-to choice for many, especially students and working-class commuters who would otherwise face long and uncomfortable journeys.

Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts of the BRT System

The MBS has had substantial socio-economic benefits. By providing an affordable and reliable transport option, it enables people to save money that they might otherwise spend on more expensive transportation. The system also allows for time-saving commutes, which can increase productivity and reduce stress associated with travel.

In addition, the Metro Bus System has provided women with a safer transport option, addressing one of the significant challenges in Pakistan’s public transport sector: the lack of safety and accessibility for women. Women can now travel without fear of harassment, and they have access to a timely service that allows them to balance work, education, and family responsibilities.

Extending BRT Systems to Rural-Urban Areas

The success of Lahore’s MBS highlights the need to extend BRT systems to other major urban centers and even rural-urban corridors. Expanding these systems to link peri-urban and rural areas with cities would allow rural populations better access to economic opportunities and services available in urban centers, while also alleviating the pressure on urban infrastructure by reducing private vehicle use.

A networked BRT system connecting peri-urban communities would encourage more people to opt for public transport rather than private vehicles, cutting down traffic emissions significantly. It would also foster economic integration between rural and urban areas, as rural residents could more easily commute to cities for work, education, or medical care.

Policy Recommendations: Creating a Sustainable Transport Ecosystem

To further the success of BRT systems and combat smog, additional policy measures are needed. Here are some key recommendations:

1. Subsidies for Public Transport Expansion: Government subsidies can help expand BRT systems to other cities and rural-urban corridors. Investment in cleaner buses and infrastructure can enhance the system’s appeal and environmental impact.

2. Regulating Private Vehicle Emissions: Implementing stricter emissions standards for private vehicles would reduce the number of high-pollution vehicles on the road. Regular vehicle checks and incentives for purchasing low-emission vehicles could also help.

3. Phasing Out Traditional Brick Kilns: Introducing eco-friendly technologies in brick kilns, such as zigzag kiln technology, can dramatically reduce emissions from these operations. Incentives for kiln owners to upgrade their technology would be beneficial.

4. Supporting Farmers to Avoid Crop Burning: Farmers need viable alternatives to burning crop residues. Subsidies for machinery that helps incorporate crop residues into the soil as natural fertilizers, as well as awareness campaigns about the health impact of burning, can mitigate this practice.

5. Encouraging Non-Motorized Transport Options: Investments in pedestrian and cycling infrastructure would reduce the number of short car trips, which are a significant source of emissions in cities. Promoting these options could ease congestion and reduce the pollution burden on urban areas.

6. Tree Planting and Preservation Policies: Expanding urban forestry initiatives and rural plantation drives can significantly improve air quality. Enforcing strict bans on unnecessary tree cutting and mandating the replanting of trees in urban and rural areas can preserve the environment and reduce pollution. This approach should be complemented by promoting agroforestry practices, which integrate trees into farmland, enhancing both agricultural sustainability and air purification efforts.

Looking Forward: A Cleaner, More Connected Pakistan

Smog reduction and sustainable urban growth require a commitment to integrated policies that address emissions from multiple sources. Expanding BRT systems and linking rural areas to cities would help bridge the rural-urban divide, allowing rural residents to access the urban economy without needing personal vehicles.

For Lahore and other Pakistani cities to see a meaningful improvement in air quality, the government must also engage with industrial and agricultural stakeholders to implement cleaner practices. By embracing technology-driven public transport and regulating emissions from industry and agriculture, Punjab can make strides toward a future with cleaner air, healthier residents, and a more connected rural-urban economy.

Through such proactive measures, the BRT model of Lahore could lead to sustainable solutions for Pakistan’s smog crisis, providing a blueprint for cleaner, healthier cities across the country.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

Muhammad Khalid Bashir serves as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Co-Chair at the Policy, Advocacy and Outreach of the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) project at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

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