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India is to Blame for SMOG in Pakistan

On 2nd November, Lahore and most parts of Punjab woke up to smog due to hazardous pollution levels. Lahore suffered with eye irritation and respiratory problems all over the day.

This was something new for Lahore as this hazardous situation was observed for the first time in Lahore.

Over the years, Beijing and New Delhi were considered Asia’s more polluted cities; unfortunately, the recent smog added Lahore among them, where people were directed by Punjab Government to use masks to avoid respiratory problems.

Till afternoon, this foggy situation was the talk of the town, while “smog” also became the top trend on twitter as people were posting their comments, pictures and videos of the situation they were experiencing.

The Real Culprit

The actual reason behind smog in Lahore is Crop Burning in India which is fueling air pollution in the region.

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NASA satellite images shows the crop burning areas in India

NASA satellite images of 1st November have shown the extent of unregulated agriculture crop fires whose smoke is blowing towards Lahore and surroundings.

According to NY Times: Farmers are continuing to burn most of the leftover straw — an estimated 32 million tons — to make room to plant their winter wheat crop.

Punjab University Environmental College Principal Dr Sajid Rashid said that burning of eyes and respiratory issues clears that it has been added with toxic chemicals like Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxides, Carbon Dioxides and other pollutants. He was also of the view that the air pollutants coming from India have added to this situation. “We have observed through satellite images that areas near Lahore border in Indian side have been covered with thick smog,” he informed.

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A farmer burned a harvested wheat field on the outskirts of Jalandhar, India. Credit Shammi Mehra/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Farmers are continuing to burn most of the leftover straw — an estimated 32 million tons — to make room to plant their winter wheat crop. NY Times reported.

Smog in Lahore is decreased since yesterday due to winds but only rains can improve the air quality.

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Written by CooLYar

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