In a significant move to tackle severe pollution levels, the Punjab government presented a new smog mitigation policy to the Lahore High Court on Monday. This policy, designed to address the growing environmental crisis, includes strict regulations on weddings during the peak smog season as part of a comprehensive anti-smog strategy.
Advocate General Punjab announced that, starting next year, weddings will be prohibited between October and December, traditionally the months when smog conditions peak. This measure is part of a broader plan aimed at reducing traffic and energy use, both major contributors to the city’s pollution levels.
In a statement to the court, the advocate general highlighted that for the first time, the government has allocated a dedicated budget for anti-smog initiatives. The court commended these efforts, with the presiding judge remarking, “This administration has implemented better measures than previous governments.” The judge also suggested extending these seasonal restrictions to other districts in Punjab and praised the distribution of super seeders to farmers, which help reduce crop-burning practices—a known contributor to smog.
Drawing attention to global practices, the court noted that shops in many countries close by 5 PM to cut emissions. The judge recommended that Punjab consider similar measures and suggested further restrictions on weddings, such as implementing a one-dish policy and consolidating celebrations into a single event instead of the current multi-day festivities.
The hearing was adjourned until November 15, with the court urging the government to explore a permanent smog policy.
This policy emerges as Punjab, particularly its capital Lahore, struggles with alarming pollution levels. The city is currently the most polluted in the world, with an average air quality index (AQI) of 588, approximately 74 times above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended safe limit. On Monday, AQI readings in various city areas ranged from 565 to over 1,045, though still below the peak of 1,900 reported earlier this month. The AQI scale designates 0-50 as “good” air quality.
The primary pollutant, PM2.5, comprises fine particulate matter that poses significant health risks due to its microscopic size—about 3% the thickness of a human hair. These particles remain airborne for long durations, making them more likely to be inhaled. Their minute size allows them to bypass the body’s natural defenses, penetrate deep into the lungs, and even enter the bloodstream, causing severe and potentially fatal health conditions.
With these new policies underway, residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, use air purifiers, and wear protective masks to reduce exposure. The Punjab Environmental Department is set to monitor the situation closely and adjust lockdown measures as needed to safeguard public health.
