A leading cause of the smog which has engulfed most of Punjab is the leftover crop that farmers burn when they clear land for a new harvest.
Farmers claim that they burn crop so that they don’t have to employ labour to clear land.
“Initially we would employ labour who would uproot hay and then make fodder for cattle. But with mechanization labour is hard to find, so we burn the crop to clear the land for harvest,” a farmer said.
The prevailing smoggy weather condition is likely to continue in November and December with its light and heavy waves across the province of Punjab, Chief Metrologist Mohammad Riaz said on Friday.
However, the pressure of the smoggy situation has currently been reduced and its density decreased especially during day times, he added.
To a question, he said that complete eradication of the smog depends on the rain which is not expected in the next few weeks.
“Less than average rainfall is expected in November and December, therefore, smog fog and mist will remain prevalent and higher concentration of smog is expected in urban areas,” he added.
The Punjab government is considering a proposal to shut down schools as smog has gripped parts of the province igniting health fears and causing road accidents.
Meanwhile, Secretary Environment Saif Anjum urged the patients of asthma and those having respiratory problems to avoid the exposure of smog.
Health experts said that smog can cause eye and ear allergies advising people to wash them with clean water several times daily.
At least 17 people died in different smog-related incidents in Punjab on Friday while the haze has resulted in outbreak of diseases in several cities of the province.
An increase in the number of patients is being observed at hospitals with particularly young and elderly people in the majority among them.
Health experts have advised the people to avoid going out unnecessarily and recommended wearing masks and glasses while in open.
It was further recommended that the heart and lungs patients should take steam regularly and avoid cold beverages.
Motorway authorities have advised masses to travel at low speed and use fog lamps to avoid accidents.
