Urban Pollution: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Health at Risk

Fakhar e Alam

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is posed with a serious environmental and public health challenge as the urban pollution spikes. In cities across the province, thousands are exposed to illness and upset, exerting extra financial burden on the provincial authorities.

Cities including Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Abbottabad, and Swat are in a tussle with toxic air, contaminated water, untreated plastic and domestic waste. Experts argue that urbanization and deforestation are the major causes of the pollution rise, supported by increasing vehicle usage.

They also state that the lack of waste management system across the province, especially places like brick kilns and areas where industrial activities take place, add a large amount to the pollution.

 What is Particulate Matter?

The levels of particulate matter determine whether the air is healthy or polluted. Particulate matter refers to ‘the amount of suspended solid and liquid particles in the air.’

The safe levels of particulate matter set by the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) range from PM2.5 to PM10. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), the PM levels of Peshawar have been frequently exceeding these limits.

Chairman Environmental Sciences Department, University of Peshawar, Professor Dr. Muhammad Nafees believes that “PM2.5 pollution increases age-specific mortality risk.”

He further added that PM2.5 level indicates the presence of microscopic particles in the air which, upon inhaling, can damage heart, lungs, and respiratory system. “These particulate matter also become a cause of high blood pressure, asthma, cancer, stroke, and chronic respiratory diseases.”

He argues that the residents of Peshawar city are highly vulnerable due to the emissions from unregulated traffic, brick kilns, marble units, and clipboard factories.

 Air Pollution in Peshawar

Professor Dr. Nafees also stated that “the air quality in Peshawar is poor. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a PM2.5 concentration of no more than 25 µg/m³, but current levels are much higher.”

Studies indicate that the particulate matter levels in Peshawar are greatly high above the ideal standards, which is a serious concern. The smoke and dust levels are suspended between five and ten feet causing the PM2.5 levels to rise nearly four times above the NEQS standards.

The levels of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) have also increased in several areas. Nitrogen dioxide is a toxic gas produced by burning fossil fuels, especially from vehicles, industries, and power plants. According to these studies, 58.5 percent of Peshawar’s urban pollution rises from the transport sector, making it the most significant contributor.

Roadside dust follows with a 17.7 percent addition, while domestic burning contributes 11.7 percent to the pollution. Industries account for 6.6 percent, while waste burning makes up 4.1 percent of the overall pollution. Commercial burning makes up to 1.4 percent of the total percentage, making it the least but a notable contributor.

Dr. Fazal Sattar is a former head of ENT Department at Khyber Teaching Hospital. He stated his concern that “the health impacts are severe. Respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even lung cancer are becoming more common.”

“Most of our patients reporting respiratory distress and COPD related issues come from Peshawar,” he noted.

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Statistics show that annually seven million deaths occur because of air pollution around the globe. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) accounts for 3.23 million of these deaths. In Pakistan, mortality rates caused due to COPD were recorded 138.2 deaths per 100,000 males, while 41.3 deaths per 100,000 females.

Shageef Bibi, a Peshawar resident, lost her loving mother to COPD. “My mother Hussan Zadgai struggled with shortness of breath and persistent coughing before she passed away at Lady Reading Hospital,” she narrated her experience of loss.

 Other Crises Beyond the Air

Air pollution is a significant but not the only concerning part of urban pollution. Noise pollution, rising from traffic and use of heavy machinery for construction, also contribute to a spike in cases of mental health, like stress. An increase in sleep disorders was also recorded, mainly from densely populated areas.

Water resources in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also noted to be increasingly polluted via industrial discharge, sewage, plastic, and agricultural waste.

Dr. Aftab Ahmad, Director Livestock and Dairy Development warned that “Rivers like Kabul and Swat are contaminated with plastic, heavy metals and bacteria, threatening aquatic life and precious species like Mahseer and trout.”

He also added that “dumping plastic and solid waste in rivers endangers both aquatic biodiversity and human health.”

 Preventive Measures: What’s Being Done?

The first Internet of Things (IoT)-based Air Quality Monitoring Gadget has been reportedly installed at the District Government Office in Peshawar.

The system is responsible for tracking air temperature and humidity, as well as the levels of dust. It also detects the carbon dioxide levels, which is a significant help to environmentalists to present data-driven strategies.

Advisor to the Chief Minister on Environment and Forests,  Musawar Khan, informed that the government is promoting urban forestry initiatives as a part of the National Clean Air Plan. The plan also includes the establishment of environmental clubs at schools. A plantation drive focused on planting native canopy trees along roadsides, in parks, and public places is also being pursued.

He added that the Ghari Chandan Forest, with 3.2 million plants, was planted on the City’s edge to improve air quality. Tune-up stations for petrol and diesel consuming vehicles will be set up to minimize the toxic emissions. Citizens will be encouraged to use LPG and biofuels instead.

He also mentioned the formation of environmental squads within the traffic police for regular inspection of fuel and lubricant quality.

“Solid waste management is being upgraded and hospitals are asked to install incinerators for safe disposal of medical waste,” he said.

“Lady Reading Hospital, which generates over 221,920 kg waste annually, is now operating a central incinerator.” Similar facilities have been set up at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Khyber Teaching Hospital, and Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital.

To reduce industrial pollution, authorities have advised the steel mills, chipboard factories,  and marble units in Hayatabad Industrial Estate to install pollution control systems. Warsak Road has also received a notice to adopt the pollution control system, with non-compliant units sealed.

In major cities like Peshawar, D.I Khan, and Swat, a ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags is also underway. Vehicles Emission Testing Stations (VETS) are being upgraded to regulate and minimize traffic emissions.

Efforts to promote cleaner energy sources and urban plantations are also in consideration.

Urban Pollution is not only an environmental hazard, but a significant threat to human lives. Governmental initiatives alone are not enough to tackle the adversities. Public collaboration is also necessary to work on the environment, preserve and better it for the current and future of generations.