ISLAMABAD: New Delhi has been ranked the most polluted city in the world in terms of air quality on Sunday by air quality monitoring platform IQAir.
Lahore is the second most polluted city in the world.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure of the concentration of various pollutants in the air, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), coarse particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3). Any IQAir AQI ranking above 150 is considered “unhealthy” and above 200 is considered “very unhealthy”.
The AQI reading for Lahore stood at a very unhealthy 189; it was just beaten by Delhi, which registered a reading of 212 around 7:30pm.
Additionally, levels of the pollutant PM2.5 were measured at 109 microgrammes per cubic metre of air (μg/m³), 21.8 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s annual PM2.5 guidelines.
PM2.5 particles are floating particulate matter in the air measuring 2.5 micrometres in diameter or less, according to IQAir. PM2.5 is so small that it can be absorbed into the bloodstream upon inhalation.
IQAir recommended on its website that residents in Lahore avoid outdoor exercise, run air purifiers and prioritise wearing masks. It also recommended closing all windows to avoid dirty air from outdoors.
Lahore has historically dealt with smog and poor air quality in the winter months.
Around this time last year, the air quality in Lahore was recorded at 394 amid the smog crisis, primarily fuelled by crop residue burning and industrial emissions. The smog caused widespread health issues among residents, including coughing, breathing difficulties, eye irritation and skin infections.
To combat smog this year, the Punjab government has introduced ‘smog guns’, with Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stating that they were already in use across Lahore.
“Through this modern machine, tiny droplets of water are sprayed into the air to combat smog,“ she explained. “The water mist helps clean pollution and dust particles present in the atmosphere. This modern machinery is also being used in countries like China, India, and others to reduce smog.”
Meanwhile, measures to combat smog and air pollution are actively underway in Lahore, with 24-hour monitoring of trucks and trolleys transporting construction materials now in effect.
Additionally, the entry of heavy vehicles not complying with standard operating procedures (SOPs) has been banned in Lahore.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a zero-tolerance policy will be strictly implemented against vehicles emitting smoke. Daily action will also be taken against overloaded trolleys, and the transportation of sand, gravel, soil, and other construction materials without proper covering will be strictly prohibited on city roads.
The EPA enforcement force is conducting continuous inspections at all entry points to Lahore. Heavy fines will be imposed, and non-compliant vehicles may be impounded for violating environmental laws. Furthermore, water sprinkling operations will be carried out at construction sites and in dust-prone areas to control airborne particles.
In coordination with the EPA, WASA, and the district administration, water spraying activities will begin at night to manage dust and improve air quality. Authorities stress that effective dust control is essential in efforts to prevent smog, and all relevant institutions will remain active and present in the field.
Following the recent directives, no truck or trolley will be allowed to transport construction materials without being properly covered with a tarpaulin. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered all departments involved to submit detailed reports on their respective anti-smog activities.
It is also worth mentioning that the Chief Minister has instructed authorities to intensify public awareness campaigns, ensuring citizens are fully informed about smog-related hazards and encouraged to support environmental protection efforts.
