Noise and Smog: Rawalpindi’s Growing Urban Health Hazards
Azhar Siddique
Rawalpindi: Rapid urbanization, mounting vehicular pressure, and massive construction activity in the twin cities are causing serious environmental and health hazards.
Residents are calling for immediate measures to tackle this growing problem, particularly in Rawalpindi, a city grappling with rising air pollution.
Experts warn that the situation is detrimental to human health, with carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide levels in the air adversely affecting the upper respiratory systems of residents.
Environmental and Health Concerns
Health experts have expressed concern over the alarming increase in pollution-related illnesses. According to Dr Ashfaq Ahmed, a local health expert, the city’s air is heavily polluted with harmful gases that are contributing to a surge in cases of flu, allergies, cough, and fever, particularly during the winter months from October to February.
“The quality of air we breathe is directly linked to the health of our lungs, kidneys, and entire respiratory system,” Dr Ahmed noted. “Industrial units set up in residential areas, along with smoke-emitting vehicles, are exacerbating allergies, especially among the elderly, children, and those suffering from asthma.”
To improve the situation, Dr Ahmed has called for several initiatives. These include increasing green spaces, launching community awareness campaigns, and strictly implementing environmental laws and regulations. Trees and vegetation naturally absorb carbon emissions and help mitigate noise pollution, and promoting greener spaces could significantly improve air quality.
The Impact of Noise Pollution
In addition to air pollution, Rawalpindi is also grappling with an increase in noise pollution, primarily due to rising traffic and construction activities. Vehicles equipped with pressure horns and frequent traffic jams are major contributors to this issue.
Muhammad Asif, a local school teacher, expressed concern over the mental and psychological health impacts caused by such noise pollution.
“Private vehicles, rickshaws, buses, and even personal cars constantly blow horns and emit smoke during traffic jams, creating a daily nuisance for residents,” Asif said. “The unchecked use of pressure horns is a clear sign of poor enforcement of noise pollution laws.”
Asif further emphasized that authorities need to adopt a more comprehensive and consistent policy to control air and noise pollution. This policy should include public awareness campaigns, precautions, and penalties for violators, particularly concerning the use of pressure horns.
Pollution Hotspots in Rawalpindi
Air quality is particularly poor in densely populated areas such as Raja Bazaar, Murree Road, Tench Bhatta, and Pirwadhai, where industries, workshops, and other businesses are emitting harmful pollutants into the air. Residents like Mushtaq and Faisal from Tench Bhatta are calling for more effective enforcement of pollution control laws.
“Factories in densely populated areas, such as those producing polythene bags and plastic footwear, continue to operate in violation of environmental laws, contributing to both air and noise pollution,” they said.
Additionally, the improper disposal of industrial waste into Nullah Leh is another serious environmental concern. Residents have urged the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) and local authorities to monitor pollution levels, compile data on its sources and effects, and strictly implement pollution laws.
“Real-time data collection through air quality monitoring stations would be instrumental in assessing air quality and forming evidence-based policies,” the residents suggested.
Efforts to Tackle Pollution
In response to growing environmental concerns, the Punjab government has been taking steps to tackle pollution. A spokesperson from the District Administration mentioned the intensified efforts of local authorities and environmental organizations to combat pollution and create a healthier urban environment.
The government has been enforcing strict vehicle emission standards and conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance. Additionally, initiatives promoting the use of cleaner fuel and technologies, upgrading public transportation, and running eco-friendly buses are aimed at reducing the number of vehicles on the road and improving air quality.
Community campaigns promoting green practices such as planting trees, using bicycles, and educating the public about the effects of pollution are also underway. The government is revising urban planning and zoning laws to create buffer zones between noisy establishments and residential areas, and is imposing time restrictions on construction activities and regulating the use of loudspeakers.
Action Against Industrial Violations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been actively addressing industrial violations. An EPA inspector highlighted the actions taken against brick kilns that have not converted to eco-friendly zigzag technology. Eighteen such kilns in the district were penalized, and four pyrolysis plants burning tires as fuel were demolished. The inspector hopes that these actions will help improve air quality in the region.
As pollution continues to grow in Rawalpindi and its neighboring areas, there is an urgent need for a multifaceted approach to address the environmental and health hazards posed by air and noise pollution. Strict enforcement of laws, combined with community awareness and sustainable urban planning, is crucial in ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.
