LAHORE: Lahore has once again topped the global pollution index, with hazardous air quality levels recorded across various parts of the city. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in several areas has soared to alarming levels, with some areas reaching 985.
According to IQAir, the city’s overall AQI on Thursday stood at 515, ranking it the most polluted city globally, while New Delhi followed at second place with an AQI of 459. Areas such as City School in Allama Iqbal Town recorded the highest AQI levels at 985, followed by FF Pakistan at 816 and Saddar Cantonment at 725. Other regions like Wildlife & Parks, Hiking & Mountaineering, and Ravi Camp also reported AQI levels between 657 and 702.
Air quality in surrounding districts, including Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, and Kasur, also deteriorated, with AQI levels reaching up to 500 in several areas. Cities like Faisalabad, Sargodha, and Dera Ghazi Khan recorded relatively lower but still unhealthy levels of 413, 392, and 374, respectively.
In response to the deteriorating situation, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered the closure of construction sites and buildings that violate environmental regulations. She directed district administrations, police, and the agriculture department to increase night-time patrolling, stressing the importance of inter-departmental coordination to combat smog effectively.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department indicated that polluted air masses from India’s Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal regions are exacerbating the pollution, with winds stagnating pollutants near ground level. Crop residue burning in Indian Punjab is also contributing to the worsening air quality.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken action, demolishing an illegal brick kiln for excessive emissions and processing over 412 tons of substandard plastic for recycling. EPA officials have also been monitoring crop residue burning, with some improvements noted. However, experts warn that the situation may worsen as evening traffic congestion and falling night-time temperatures further intensify smog.
Punjab authorities are urging citizens, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiac conditions, to avoid outdoor activities between 12pm and 3pm and after 7pm. They have also recommended carpooling and avoiding smoke-emitting vehicles to reduce pollution.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that Punjab is implementing a “climate-resilient paradigm shift,” with green policies across sectors, including a zero-tolerance approach to construction dust, vehicular emissions, and plastic usage.
