The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) announced on Tuesday that smog conditions are expected to continue throughout November and December in Punjab.
On the same day, Lahore’s air quality was rated as hazardous, with an index score exceeding 744, according to IQAir. The unhealthy air quality is largely due to seasonal crop burning by farmers on the outskirts of the city, which can lead to severe health issues such as strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In a notification released on Tuesday, the NDMA stated that the National Emergency Operation Centre is closely monitoring the ongoing smog situation in Pakistan and the surrounding areas. Their team is utilizing advanced ground and satellite monitoring tools to analyze pollution emissions from various sectors like industry, transportation, and agriculture.
To pinpoint areas severely affected by smog, the NDMA is examining data on aerosol optical depth. They anticipate that smog will persist in Punjab’s plains due to prevailing atmospheric conditions, including high humidity, low wind speeds, and increased upper atmospheric pressure.
Urban areas such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Mardan, and Nowshera are expected to experience smog during this period. Consequently, on Monday, the Punjab government restricted most outdoor activities and directed some shops, markets, and malls in certain areas to close early to protect public health.
In particular, outdoor activities in Multan, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad have been prohibited to combat health issues stemming from severe air pollution. Access to parks, zoos, playgrounds, and similar locations will be limited until November 17, though unavoidable religious activities are exempt from this restriction. Essential services like pharmacies, oil depots, and grocery stores can remain open beyond the 8 PM closure directive.
To address the health impact of smog, special triage counters have been set up in clinics across the province. On Tuesday alone, 900 individuals were admitted to hospitals in Lahore due to smog-related health concerns. Medical professionals report that this year’s smog is more severe than in previous years, with a higher number of patients suffering its effects.
