URBAN AIR QUALITY AND UNRELENTING PERIL OF VEHICULAR EMISSION (POLICY AND PRIORITIES OF CITY DISTRICT GOVERNMENT LAHORE)

Abstract

Lahore, the second largest city of Pakistan inundated with remorseless air pollution. foremost source of air pollution is motor vehicular emission. Statistics of key sites reveals grim realities. Motor vehicular usage increased tremendously in wake of gigantic expansion of city and inappropriate landuse distribution or control. Motorization trend of city predict an irresistible rise of vehicles plying on roads of Lahore. Further peak hour’s abnormal accumulation of traffic (which transmits heavy emission in environment) creates mess in central areas. City District Government is entrusted with task of achieving ambient air quality (under Devolution Plan 2001) failed to achieve it due to absence of transport policy, Institutional and organizational impediments, Government of Punjab change in landuse policy, poor monitoring and management of air quality. The paper is an attempt to chalk out policy and priorities for city District Government Lahore to mitigate environmental sufferings.