As Lahore continues to battle dangerous smog levels, the Punjab government’s latest anti-smog strategy — spraying water across city streets — has sparked mixed reactions.

While officials claim it helps reduce air pollution, critics warn it may be worsening the province’s water crisis.

To combat the worsening effects of smog, anti-smog guns have been deployed day and night in major Punjab cities, including Lahore. These high-powered machines spray thousands of litres of water into the air every day, aiming to capture dust and pollutants and temporarily improve air quality.

However, environmental experts note that the effect lasts only three to four hours. Once the water settles or evaporates, the smog begins to thicken again, nullifying much of the short-term improvement.

Growing concern over water wastage

The campaign comes at a time when Punjab’s groundwater levels are rapidly declining, raising serious questions about whether using such vast quantities of water is a sustainable practice.

Many citizens have expressed frustration, calling the initiative a waste of precious resources in a province already struggling with a looming water shortage. Critics argue that the temporary reduction in smog doesn’t justify the long-term environmental cost.

Expert opinions divided

Environmental expert Muhammad Younus Zahid acknowledged the public concern but said that “some loss has to be borne for any improvement.” He emphasized that efforts to clean the air, even if imperfect, are better than inaction.

However, other specialists believe that the Punjab government must pair water spraying with recycling mechanisms to make the process both effective and sustainable.

According to experts, introducing a water recycling system for anti-smog operations could allow the government to reuse sprayed water, reducing waste while still mitigating pollution. This approach could strike a balance between cleaner air and water conservation, ensuring both environmental and public health benefits.