Environmental crimes

Environmental crimes have consequences more severe than many other serious offenses, and unfortunately, they cannot be entirely controlled or prevented by merely enforcing laws. These crimes result from widespread negligence across society.

From an early age, we are taught that water and air are free, and this perceived abundance has led young minds to take the environment for granted. With this delusion ingrained in our minds, we have acted recklessly against nature, not realizing that this negligence would eventually cost us our health. As a result, it has become nearly impossible for future generations to breathe outdoors as we once did.

Therefore, it is safe to assume that environmental health is directly linked to two major factors, necessitating a two-pronged strategy: one addressing citizens and the other focusing on governmental responses to environmental hazards.

Take smog, for example. It is one of the most significant consequences of environmental damage, and unfortunately, its intensity in Lahore and Punjab continues to rise. No provincial government has ever successfully handled this issue due to the absence of concerted efforts, informed decisions, and substantial studies to predict future damage.

Similarly, this provincial issue has often been considered the responsibility, or more accurately, the burden, of a single department, which is entirely misguided. In addition to citizen support, public-sector organizations must work together to confront the challenge of smog head-on. This collaboration should form the basis for multi-sectoral strategic interventions that could disperse these smog clusters and make the environment breathable again for people of all ages.

How would this work? By bringing together various sectors, this alliance is the way forward. The provincial government in Punjab has institutionalized this approach within the Planning and Development Department, setting the tone for the future. Every department directly or indirectly linked to the cause or mitigation of smog is being brought on board. From transport to health and agriculture to education, each department must play its role. This includes actions ranging from procuring e-buses and implementing traffic congestion mitigation plans to basic measures like installing water sprinklers and developing road shoulders.

Every minor or major intervention will contribute to smog mitigation. If the Punjab government successfully leads enforcement and strategic interventions through a cross-sectoral approach, it could become a notable case study, similar to the dengue control efforts under the PMLN-led provincial government in Punjab.

As mentioned above, the success of this model is directly linked to community engagement and public ownership. As citizens and consumers of environmental benefits, we must prioritize the environment. Public ownership in this scenario is vast, involving everyone from schoolchildren to uneducated farmers. Whether living in a rural or urban setting, you have a role to play for nature instead of against it. For instance, stubble burning is a key contributor to smog and requires commitment from rural residents to stop this practice.

On the other hand, excessive use of personal transport and smoke-emitting vehicles in urban areas also contribute significantly to smog. People need to embrace this environmental campaign by preferring carpooling and other eco-friendly practices. Even cycling once a week could be a great alternative with multiple benefits for both personal health and the environment. Furthermore, the industrial sector has a huge role to play as industrial waste and emissions are often hazardous. If the provincial government successfully implements the industrial mapping and enforcement system, then it could actually reverse the damage in the long term.

By fostering a culture of accountability and responsibility, we can create a society that values and protects its natural resources. Collaboration between citizens and the government is key to tackling environmental issues effectively. Initiatives such as community clean-up drives, tree plantation campaigns, and recycling programs can only succeed if supported by both the public and the authorities. Additionally, investing in renewable energy sources and promoting sustainable agricultural practices can help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation.

Ultimately, the health of our environment reflects our collective actions and attitudes. By prioritizing environmental conservation and fostering a culture of sustainability, we can ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come. The path to a cleaner, greener world begins with each of us taking responsibility and making conscious choices that benefit the environment.

The writer is a freelance journalist. He has also served as media

adviser to the World Bank andUnicef-funded healthcare and tourism related projects in Punjab. He tweets/posts @EAAgop