Suffocating under industrialisation

In Syed Nagar near Alipur Chatta in the Gujranwala district, hapless families remain trapped in a cycle of polluted air, persistent foul odours, and low visibility, further worsening the already difficult lives of ordinary people. A proper evaluation of air quality in this area is necessary to confirm the pollution levels, but the air likely contains harmful particles and chemicals, putting residents and their livestock, wildlife and plants at risk of various hazardous effects. The struggles of residents in this quiet Punjab town due to poor air quality were first highlighted in these pages back in 2017. At that time, both the relevant authorities and the owners of lubricant factories pledged to address the issue. Unfortunately, seven years later, the situation has only deteriorated. Residents now report a rise in asthma cases, as well as eye and skin infections.