After Lahore, the rule of fog and smog continues in the city of Peshawar. After which Peshawar has become one of the most polluted cities.
According to sources, the air quality index of Peshawar has exceeded 500, which is extremely dangerous for human health.
Smog and fog reigned in different areas of Peshawar for the second day today.
In this regard, Deputy Director Environmental Protection Agency Afsar Khan said that the burning of crop residues and lack of rain was the cause of smog. He said that in such a situation, the use of masks should be made mandatory and people should not leave their homes unnecessarily.
The Deputy Director said that some citizens of Peshawar are not aware of smog and some citizens are not giving importance to precautionary measures.
He said that smog is a combination of smoke and fog. He said that different particles are added to the smog, such as gases, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and a layer of them is called smog.
Afsar Khan said that the smog persists until the rains begin to fall in the city. If it rains, the atmosphere of the city will be clear.
Deputy Director Environmental Protection Agency Afsar Khan further said to avoid burning plastic and tires because smog will not end no matter how many burning activities continue to generate smoke. However, rain is the only solution.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Meteorological Department, the smog in Peshawar is likely to remain the same until it rains.
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**Interview with Afsar Khan, Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Agency**
**Editor**: Good afternoon, Afsar Khan. Thank you for joining us today to talk about the alarming air quality situation in Peshawar.
**Afsar Khan**: Thank you for having me. It’s important to raise awareness about this critical issue.
**Editor**: As you mentioned, the air quality index in Peshawar has exceeded 500, which is classified as extremely dangerous. Can you explain what this means for the health of the residents?
**Afsar Khan**: Absolutely. An AQI over 500 indicates hazardous air quality, meaning that everyone, regardless of their health, may experience severe health effects. It’s especially dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
**Editor**: What are the primary causes behind this situation?
**Afsar Khan**: The major contributors are the burning of crop residues and the lack of rainfall, which usually helps in clearing the air. These factors combine to create persistent smog and fog in the region.
**Editor**: Considering the critical levels of pollution, what immediate actions do you recommend for the residents of Peshawar?
**Afsar Khan**: We recommend that residents wear masks whenever they need to go outside and limit outdoor activities as much as possible. It’s also advisable to keep windows and doors closed to prevent indoor pollution.
**Editor**: Are there any long-term solutions that the government is considering to address this problem?
**Afsar Khan**: We are actively working on policies to tackle these issues, including stricter regulations on agricultural burning and promoting alternative methods for waste disposal. Public awareness campaigns are also crucial to educate people on the importance of reducing emissions.
**Editor**: Thank you, Afsar Khan, for your insights on this urgent matter. It’s clear that both immediate and long-term actions are needed to help improve the air quality in Peshawar.
**Afsar Khan**: Thank you for shining a light on this issue. Together, we can work towards a healthier environment.
