Smog Challenge: Controlling Pollution Without Compromising Education

Smog has become a crucial problem in Pakistan nowadays. The major concern is that everyone is seeking the appropriate solution for this issue. It is also the need of the hour to tackle this problematic condition because it causes many diseases, particularly to the vulnerable groups, like cardiovascular problems, eye irritation, sore throats, asthma and bronchitis. 

It is not a new problem for the state and the people, we face this condition every year especially in winters. The inadequate measure that authorities take regarding the smog is the closure of the educational institutes. It is not the proper solution for this condition because students and schools are not because of the smog in the region. The Government should find the major causes behind this issue. Vehicular emission in this regard, is the major cause which leads to the smog formation. According to the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 40 to 50 percent of the air pollution is spread due to vehicular emission. In addition to this, the usage of coal and sulfur fuels in industries leads to the creation of smog. UNEP researched that the primary source of smog in south Asian countries is industrial emissions. 

On the other hand, Holidays due to unforeseen events like weather conditions and political events disrupt the academic calendar and the assessment schedules of the educational institutes. It leads the students and teachers to the condensed schedule and the pressure of covering academic curriculum on time. The government suggests continuing education via online mode of learning but the online and hybrid learning is challenging for the students and teachers due to lack of facilities. In rural areas, people have limited internet access which makes it difficult to maintain the continuity of online learning. 

Pakistan is already facing educational challenges and its literacy rate is approximately 58%. It is the responsibility of the authorities to take proper action related to the causes of smog. The Government should control vehicular and industrial emission. The closure of educational institutions is not the solution to the problematic condition. The education should be continued at institutes with some restrictions and SOPs to minimize exposure and take control over causes of the pollution.