THE SMOG DILEMMA: GOVERNANCE RESPONSES AND AIR QUALITY IMPACTS IN LAHORE

Abstract

Smog has become the fifth season of Pakistan, especially in Lahore. This study examines the smog dilemma in Lahore, Pakistan, while emphasizing its sources, impacts and suggests innovative and successful practices in the mitigation process. For this study, both qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed to study the patterns and their relationship with seasons and different places. Quantitative data from Air Quality Index (AQI) shows that industrial zones show the highest levels of smog during the winters while agricultural places show the lowest AQI. The findings of the research show that smog not only creates health-related challenges but also poses a huge socioeconomic loss to the people living in Lahore. The importance of taking immediate action to address industrial emissions, along with actively involving the community and implementing effective enforcement measures is suggested in the findings