Every year, Winter in Pakistan brings SMOG, causing shutdown to businesses, schools, parks, and markets in Pakistan due to the uprise in toxic air enveloping the busiest cities like Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala. This impacts children and elderly people the most. However, the authorities can only advise residents to stay home and wear masks to prevent illness.
Are staying at home and artificial rains the only permanent solutions to the surging smog? Today, PakWheels answers this burning question with a long-term solution.
Long-Term Health Disorders
Lahore is undoubtedly the most affected city by smog. Its AQI level crosses 400, making it the worst living condition for its residents as the favorable level is below 100. The increase in air pollution causes colds, sore throat, asthma, skin blisters, and irritated eyes, leading to long-term illnesses like lung cancer.
According to the Air Quality Life Index produced by the University of Chicago, Lahore’s air pollution shortens its residents’ lives by seven years.
Major Reasons
Authorities indicate the burning of crops as the major reason for smog. Moreover, the red brick kiln also accounts for a great deal of smog. Another reason that constitutes a major share is the fossil fuel pollution that causes air degradation.
Air Pollution Demands for Electric Revolution
Taking into account that there are around 3 million bikes in Lahore and 27 million bikes in Pakistan that are polluting the air daily with their carbon footprints,
According to stats calculated by PakWheels, a 70 CC bike runs 50 km/L whereas an EV bike runs twice in 1 charge with an overall saving of 5,700 Rs. /Month with minimal carbon emissions. Moreover, it also saves consumers’ fuel-filling time.
Debunking Myths around EVs
- Initial investment in EVs is greater than in gasoline cars and bikes, but petrol consumption, in comparison, is quite less.
- Maintenance on EVs is less due to fewer moving parts and the absence of an engine.
Role of Authorities in Smog Reduction
This health concern requires a steadfast role of responsible authorities in:
- Standardizing import of quality electric vehicles.
- Usage of good quality engine oil in existing gasoline vehicles.
- Increased engine maintenance routine.
- Fining penalties on sub-standard vehicles
These solutions might sound smaller, but a bigger picture will benefit consumers’ yearly savings, reduce overall fossil fuel import duties, and effective usage of domestic electricity.
However, converting 1 million gasoline bikes into E-bikes of just Lahore will bring an average overall saving of 160 million dollars on yearly import duties.
PakWheels believes in bringing long-term positive changes to the people of Pakistan. Let us know if you want to contribute your part in the comment box below. For more information, head on to our official website.
Crop burning, red brick kiln are just hogwash — Let’s come to the real reason i.e mercilessly cutting down trees to make housing societies — Once the city of gardens, now has become city of unplanned housing societies.
and from where will people being the money to purchase 2 lac plus EV bikes ?