Pakistan: Islamabad chokes as December 2024 marks worst air quality on record
Islamabad Faces Record Air Pollution in December 2024
In December 2024, Islamabad experienced its worst air pollution levels ever recorded, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a hazardous 250 on December 22. This alarming situation has been linked to rapid urbanization, increased vehicle emissions, and industrial activities. Over a million vehicles are registered in the city, with an additional half a million entering daily, contributing to high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5).
Key Contributors to Pollution
Zaigham Abbas, Director of Labs at the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS), identified brick kilns and steel manufacturing units near Islamabad as major pollution sources. Although cleaner technologies like zigzag kilns and dry scrubbers have been introduced, their impact is limited.
Health Impacts and Precautions
Ziaul Haq, a senior pulmonologist at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), noted an increase in respiratory issues, especially in winter. He advised wearing masks and reducing outdoor activities during high pollution periods.
Efforts and Challenges
Despite measures like banning smoke-emitting vehicles and imposing fines, pollution remains a challenge. Environmental experts, including Ejaz Ahmed from the Institute of Urbanism, stress the need for sustainable urban planning and better public transport to reduce private vehicle use.
Urgent Need for Action
Data from the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) showed five "very unhealthy" days in December. The situation underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to improve air quality and protect residents' health.
Doubts Revealed
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan, which is a country that shares a border with India. It is known for its beautiful scenery and important government buildings.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is when the air becomes dirty and harmful to breathe because of smoke, dust, and chemicals. It can make people sick, especially if they have to breathe it in for a long time.
Air Quality Index
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a number used to tell how clean or polluted the air is. A higher number means the air is more polluted and can be dangerous to health.
Urbanization
Urbanization is when more people start living in cities instead of villages or rural areas. This often leads to more buildings, roads, and vehicles, which can increase pollution.
Vehicle Emissions
Vehicle emissions are the gases and smoke that come out of cars and trucks. These emissions can pollute the air and contribute to air pollution.
Industrial Activities
Industrial activities refer to the work done in factories and industries, which often involves using machines and chemicals that can release pollutants into the air.
Respiratory Ailments
Respiratory ailments are health problems related to breathing, like asthma or bronchitis. These can be caused or worsened by polluted air.
Sustainable Urban Planning
Sustainable urban planning is designing cities in a way that meets people's needs without harming the environment. It includes things like green spaces, efficient public transport, and reducing pollution.
Public Transport
Public transport includes buses, trains, and other vehicles that carry many people at once. It helps reduce the number of private cars on the road, which can lower pollution.
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