The Punjab Environment Protection Department issued a smog alert on Sunday due to a significant drop in Lahore’s air quality index (AQI), which has severely affected visibility in the city.
Lahore continues to rank as one of the world’s most polluted cities, with the AQI plummeting to alarming levels. This morning, the AQI reached a staggering 700 before improving slightly to 537, according to IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring company. The air quality becomes hazardous when the AQI exceeds 300, and today’s readings highlight the growing smog problem as winter approaches.
Polluted air is expected to flow into Lahore from nearby areas, including Amritsar and New Delhi, propelled by winds traveling at 7 kilometers per hour. Residents are advised to take precautions, such as checking the AQI before outdoor activities, wearing masks outside, limiting children’s playtime outdoors, and avoiding heavily polluted areas.
Additionally, Lahore’s traffic police have cautioned motorists due to reduced visibility, which has dropped to just one kilometer. Environmentalists are urging the government to declare an environmental emergency as the conditions pose serious health risks. Medical experts also warn of potential respiratory issues arising from the hazardous air quality.
Smog tends to worsen in winter due to the use of low-grade fuel and seasonal crop burning in surrounding areas. Lahore’s air quality was not only worse than ever but ranks alongside New Delhi and Cairo, both also grappling with high pollution levels.
In response to the crisis, Punjab authorities have suspended outdoor school activities for three months starting Monday and adjusted school hours to 8:45 AM. Fireworks have also been prohibited until the end of January 2025 to combat the pollution threat.
