Air Quality Crisis: Peshawar’s Smoggy Reality

APP

Islamabad: As the sun dips below the horizon, a thick haze settles over Kohi Sufaid Mountain in Khyber district, enveloping Peshawar in an unsettling shroud of smog.

Once greeted by the fragrant blooms of Gul e Dowadi, residents now face a harsh reality marked by deteriorating air quality.

This pervasive winter smog, primarily driven by traffic emissions, brick kilns, and the burning of waste, poses significant threats to both human health and the delicate ecosystem of the Peshawar Valley. With rising levels of air pollution becoming the norm, the region is witnessing a disturbing uptick in respiratory diseases and other health complications.

Silent Killers

The air in Peshawar is laced with PM 2.5 particles—a silent killer linked to severe respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and stunted growth in children.

Gulzar Rehman, a former conservator of forests, warns of the grave risks posed by this form of pollution, emphasizing the dire consequences that often go unnoticed until it’s too late.

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Tragically, the story of Hosan Zadgai, a 65-year-old Nowshera resident who succumbed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll inflicted by environmental degradation.

Her daughter, Shageef Bagum, recounted the painful details of Hosan’s decline, a narrative echoed by many families grappling with the adverse effects of air pollution.

Combating Air Pollution Together

Experts agree that addressing air pollution transcends public health; it is a moral imperative that requires collective action. Dr Sirzamin Khan, a senior chest specialist, stresses the need for stricter regulations on vehicle emissions and the relocation of polluting industries away from populated areas.

“Awareness is key,” he insists, calling on media, civil society, and health advocates to raise awareness about the links between smog and chronic illnesses like COPD.

Public campaigns, educational initiatives, and community engagement are vital to fostering a culture of change.

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The experts propose innovative solutions, including lockdowns in smog-hit areas, the establishment of environmental clubs in schools, and the creation of engaging content on social media to inform the public about the dangers of air pollution.

In the face of this escalating crisis, the message is clear: combating air pollution requires not only individual responsibility—such as planting trees and maintaining vehicle fitness—but also robust enforcement of environmental laws.

By increasing green spaces and promoting renewable energy sources, Peshawar can reclaim its skies and ensure a healthier future for its residents.

The fight against smog is not just a battle for clean air; it is a collective effort to preserve life and protect the environment for generations to come.