New Delhi: As if the air quality in Lahore wasn’t bad enough, the administrators in Pakistan have come up with a “stupid” idea to combat the pollution levels—they are cleaning the streets and hope to get rid of smog by wasting gallons of water.
The move has invited flak and mockery from citizens on social media who are questioning the logic behind the government’s move and its impact on the smog.
“The anti-smog drive in Lahore (by sweeping and mopping random roads) is basically the ultimate desi mom solution to everything: dusting karo,” tweeted one Pakistani user, commenting on the programme.
Water wastage to blocking traffic
Earlier, Interim Chief Minister of Punjab Mohsin Naqvi shared a video and talked about the initiative, which started on 10 December. The video showed workers pouring water on the streets of Lahore, and using everything from wipers to mechanical cleaners to wash the dirt off. “Focused on minimal disruption, this initiative aims to improve air quality without impacting traffic flow,” reads Naqvi’s post.
Another main qualm that Pakistanis have with Naqvi’s policy is the wastage of water it is causing. Recalling Pakistan’s looming water crisis, citizens called out the ‘stupidity’ of the government’s initiative to wash the roads using water to reduce smog.
Some X users did not have a problem with the policy itself but did point out the unnecessary need to document it. “Cleaning is routine business … politicians shouldn’t need a photo shoot with the cleaning operation,” wrote one X user.
One user summed up his frustration by listing down the programme’s demerits – wastage of water, blocking traffic, use of extra vehicles that add to the smog, and blocking of drains.
Pakistanis have also pointed out how more substantial reforms could be undertaken to tackle smog in the city. “Provide clean fuel and ensure compliance to emission standards,” said one user.
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Air pollution wreaking havoc
Lahore is one of the most polluted cities in the world currently, with an Air Quality Index reaching 470 a few weeks ago. Air pollution is wreaking havoc on the health of citizens.
According to Dawn, the government’s program targets 79 streets in the city and uses 18 mechanical washers, 12 mechanical sweepers, and 40 tractor-pulled sweepers to remove garbage and construction wastes from the roads.
Lamenting the lack of sustainable measures against air pollution in Pakistan’s Punjab, an article in The Express Tribune suggested proper monitoring, availability of real-time air pollution data, and identifying the stakeholders and polluters as a means to combat pollution.
Construction and transport emissions are identified as the key causes of air pollution by most citizens, and they ask the government to focus on those issues. Another main cause of pollution in Pakistan—and India—remains stubble burning by farmers during the winter months.
While the government of Pakistan has implemented measures like the Punjab Clean Air Action Plan and attempted to discourage stubble burning, X users say it is not doing enough. They are asking for a ban on stubble burning.