Delhi experienced a welcome reduction in air pollution following Diwali, aided by favorable weather that cleared the skies despite ineffective firecracker bans. In contrast, Lahore faced a severe smog crisis, with air quality levels soaring due to pollution carried from India. The Punjab environmental minister emphasized the need for collective action against smog and proposed collaboration with Indian authorities, reflecting a potential thaw in relations between the two nations as they confront shared environmental challenges.
Delhi’s Diwali Aftermath: A Breath of Fresh Air
In the wake of Diwali, residents of Delhi found themselves enjoying clearer skies as a fresh breeze swept through the Indian capital. Traditionally, the festival of lights, a significant celebration in the Hindu calendar, triggers a wave of fireworks that often blankets the city in a thick layer of smog. This year, however, the morning after Diwali brought unexpected relief, with the haze dissipating significantly. While the streets echoed with the sounds of celebrations and fireworks at midnight, a refreshing wind helped lift the oppressive air pollution that usually follows the festivities.
Despite the local authorities imposing a ban on firecrackers to combat the severe air pollution exacerbated by cooler weather, enforcement of this ban was largely ineffective. Consequently, it was only the favorable weather conditions that spared Delhi from choking on smog this year.
Smog Crisis in Lahore: A Regional Concern
Across the border, the situation took a turn for the worse in Pakistan, where Lahore experienced a significant escalation in air pollution levels. The wind carried smog from India, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to alarming heights, with readings surpassing 1000 at times, making Lahore one of the most polluted cities globally. Marriyum Aurangzeb, the Punjab province’s environmental minister, highlighted this critical condition, noting that the AQI reflects the concentration of harmful particulate matter in the atmosphere.
The World Health Organization classifies a PM2.5 concentration above 15 as unhealthy, but Lahore recorded an astonishing level of 514 on that particular Sunday. In response, the regional government has decided to keep primary schools closed for the week as a precaution. Although the AQI did decrease to 280 the following day, it remains at dangerously high levels.
Aurangzeb acknowledged that while the smog issue partly stems from local practices, such as the burning of stubble by farmers, a significant portion—estimated at 30 percent—originates from India. In light of this, she called upon Lahore’s residents to unite in a “war against smog,” emphasizing the need for collective action.
In the context of ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, Aurangzeb’s remarks reflect a mix of frustration and a potential for cooperation. She proposed a collaboration with Indian authorities to address the smog crisis, recognizing that natural elements, like the wind, do not adhere to national borders. This sentiment was echoed by Punjab’s Chief Minister, who has advocated for “smog diplomacy” to tackle the issue.
The effectiveness of such diplomatic efforts remains uncertain, as both nations continue to struggle with managing emissions. However, this initiative signals a thaw in the historically strained relations between the two countries. Notably, India’s Foreign Minister recently visited Islamabad, marking a significant step toward rebuilding ties. The fight against smog may indeed present a unique opportunity for both nations to foster collaboration and improve air quality in the region.