Transport sector as major cause of poor Air Quality in Lahore

According to the Punjab Urban Unit Report 2023, the transport sector has been identified as the leading contributor to the deteriorating air quality in Lahore. The report highlights that vehicles, particularly two-stroke motorcycles, scooters, and auto rickshaws, are responsible for the city's highest levels of air pollution. These vehicles are followed by other motorized transport, including cars, jeeps, wagons, trucks, buses, and tractors, all contributing to the daily toxic air that residents breathe.

The study found that incomplete combustion of fuels in mobile engines, especially in older and less efficient vehicles, leads to the emission of harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO). This dangerous gas is emitted in the highest concentrations in Lahore, exacerbating the already poor air quality and posing serious health risks to the population. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can lead to respiratory issues, heart disease, and other severe health complications when inhaled in large quantities.

The report identifies two-stroke motorcycles, scooters, and auto rickshaws as the primary culprits of these high emissions. These vehicles, which are widely used for personal transportation and public services in Lahore, are equipped with less efficient engines that burn fuel incompletely. As a result, they release a higher concentration of pollutants, including carbon monoxide and particulate matter, compared to more modern, four-stroke vehicles.

Other types of vehicles, such as cars, jeeps, and trucks, also contribute to pollution, though their emissions are relatively lower in comparison. Trucks and buses, which consume large amounts of fuel and operate frequently on the city’s roads, release considerable amounts of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, further aggravating the air quality crisis in Lahore.

This report underscores the urgent need for policy interventions to address the rising pollution levels caused by the transport sector. To reduce harmful emissions, experts suggest the introduction of stricter vehicle emission standards, better enforcement of maintenance regulations, and the promotion of cleaner technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs). Additionally, encouraging public transport systems and reducing the number of older, inefficient vehicles on the road could play a crucial role in improving Lahore's air quality.

In conclusion, the Punjab Urban Unit Report 2023 paints a stark picture of the environmental challenges facing Lahore. Addressing the transport sector’s role in air pollution is essential to improving public health and ensuring a cleaner, safer future for the city's residents.