Is There a Collaboration to Tackle Smog Pollution?
Published on: December 4, 2023.
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Toxic Grey Haze: Addressing the Environmental Crisis in Punjab
As winter settles in South Asia, a looming environmental disaster has taken its toll on the health and civic life of at least 10 districts in Punjab. The smog, a prevalent phenomenon during this time of year, is primarily caused by the burning of paddy straw by farmers in India’s East Punjab. This man-made disaster has led to dire consequences, including school closures, respiratory problems, and messy accidents.
The severity of this issue cannot be ignored. It is a pressing climate change concern that demands immediate attention. The question is, what can be done to address this and other environmental challenges faced by both countries?
The melting glaciers on the Himalayas, warming oceans, disruptions in water flow due to riverbed issues, and the suffocating smog are all issues that transcend political rivalries. Scientific solutions are needed to alleviate the environmental traumas experienced by the 1.5 billion people living in both countries.
A study conducted by the USIP reveals the harrowing toll of smog during the chilly weather. An estimated 1.2 million Indians and 128,000 Pakistanis lose their lives annually due to its deadly effects. This alarming statistic calls for immediate action. Over a dozen cities in both countries are among the most air-polluted areas in the world.
While India boasts five times higher yield per acre, its harvest strategy has adversely affected Pakistan. The preference for a delayed rice-growing season to conserve water compels farmers to clear their fields quickly for winter wheat. This often leads to the burning of vast areas of rice stubble. Can’t this puzzle be solved through a collaborative approach that emphasizes sharing knowledge and implementing sustainable water and cultivation practices? The solution lies in the willpower to make it happen!
It is crucial for both nations to come together and find common ground to tackle these pressing environmental issues. Cooperation, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas are key to ensuring the well-being of the people and the preservation of the environment.
Let us rise above political differences and work towards a sustainable and healthier future for both India and Pakistan.
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