December: The Most Polluted Month in Islamabad’s History

Ali Jabir

Islamabad: December 2024 marked the most polluted month in Islamabad’s history, with particulate matter (PM2.5) levels reaching unprecedented highs, exacerbated by hazardous smog and worsening air quality.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) spiked to 250 on December 22, rendering the air unhealthy and dangerous for residents.

Once celebrated for its pristine environment and scenic Margalla Hills backdrop, Islamabad is now grappling with severe air pollution. Rapid urbanization, unchecked vehicular emissions, haphazard development, and industrial pollution have tarnished the city’s charm.

Over the past decade, over a million vehicles have been registered in Islamabad, while half a million more enter daily, contributing to the deteriorating air quality.

Dr. Zaigham Abbas, Director of Labs and National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS), highlighted that dust, smoke, and PM2.5 are the primary pollutants.

“Temperature inversion and winter fog trap pollutants, creating a misty and polluted atmosphere,” he explained. He also cited infrastructure projects, brick kilns, and steel industries as key contributors to the pollution crisis.

Efforts to curb industrial pollution have included converting 30 brick kilns to zigzag technology and introducing dry scrubber technology to reduce black carbon emissions. “We aim to share this indigenous technology with Punjab to tackle Lahore’s pollution crisis,” Dr. Abbas added.

Data Reveals Rising Pollution

According to the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), November and December 2024 were particularly alarming, with PM2.5 levels consistently exceeding safe limits. December recorded five “very unhealthy” days, including the record-breaking December 22.

Interestingly, other pollutants like ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) remained within permissible levels, underscoring vehicular emissions, construction dust, and waste burning as major sources of PM2.5 pollution.

Pak-EPA plans to expand air quality monitoring to include new housing societies on the city’s periphery, aiming to pinpoint their contribution to pollution. Additionally, Section 144 was imposed to ban the burning of waste, stubble, and compost.

Health Crisis Looms

Dr. Zia-ul-Haq, a pulmonologist at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), reported a surge in respiratory ailments linked to poor air quality and dry weather. “Prolonged exposure to polluted air can damage the respiratory tract, especially among older adults and those with chronic conditions,” he warned.

He advised wearing masks, avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, and getting flu vaccinations to mitigate health risks.

Need for Sustainable Solutions

Urban planning experts like Dr. Ejaz Ahmed from the Institute of Urbanism emphasized the need for sustainable transportation systems. “The transportation sector significantly contributes to air pollution, accounting for 30% of total energy use in Pakistan,” he noted.

Dr. Ahmed recommended introducing electric and hybrid buses, bike-sharing systems, park-and-ride facilities, and transit-oriented development. “Without immediate and coordinated action, Islamabad’s environment and public health will remain at risk,” he cautioned.

Looking Ahead

While Islamabad authorities have banned smoke-emitting vehicles, comprehensive solutions remain elusive. Sustainable urban planning, stricter enforcement of emission standards, and a shift towards eco-friendly transportation are imperative to safeguard the city’s future.

Without collective action, the federal capital risks losing its natural allure, jeopardizing both environmental and human health.