LAHORE: The provincial metropolis continued to top global pollution charts, with its air quality deemed hazardous as the Air Quality Index (AQI) again exceeded 1,500 mark on Thursday.

The AQI in Lahore peaked at an alarming 1,591 at 10am, ranking it as the most polluted city in the world. Air pollution reached critical levels in other cities of Punjab as well, with AQI soaring to 354 in Multan and 314 in Rawalpindi at 6pm.

In Lahore, the AQI in some areas soared to unprecedented levels, with Syed Maratib Ali Road recording a shocking 2,264 at 6pm, while other locations, including CERP Office, VTS and Ghazi Road Interchange reporting levels well above 1,500.

This rise in pollution has turned the air toxic, impacting the health of the city residents across all age groups, particularly of vulnerable populations like young children, pregnant women and the elderly.

In response to this “calamity,” the Punjab government has imposed stringent restrictions to mitigate public exposure. All public parks, zoos, playgrounds, and museums have been closed, while schools across the province have been shut down until November 17.

The authorities urged residents to stay indoors, and use face masks if they must go outdoors.

General Hospital/Ameer-ud-Din Medical College Principal Prof Dr Al-Fareed Zafar warns that children, pregnant women, and elderly citizens are at a higher risk. “Air pollution can severely impact children’s lungs and brain development due to their low immunity. Pregnant women breathing polluted air face have an increased risk of premature births,” he explains.

He says that elderly people and those with existing health conditions may suffer fatal respiratory issues due to smog.Punjab Environment Protection and Climate Change Department (EPCCD) Secretary Raja Jahangir Anwar told Dawn that the monitors connected with IQAir were not following any protocols. “Most of the IQAir monitors are substandard as they cost just Rs150,000 each, while a government monitor costs a minimum Rs10.5 million,” he says.

He says the government is going to establish an Environment Monitoring Centre (EMC) to have credible air quality data. “We have five mobile and as many fixed monitors. The number of fixed monitors will be increased to 10 within November,” he says.

The secretary says the government monitors are not linked to IQAir. “Only two monitors connected to IQAir are credible -- the one installed at the American School and the other at the US consulate.

Meanwhile, the Lahore district administration claimed to have sealed 75 shops and 14 restaurants for violating outdoor dining ban, while a wedding hall was shut down for operating beyond permitted hours.

In Multan, the local police claimed to have taken anti-smog actions, bringing down AQI level from 1,914 to 339 in the area.

The Multan police spokesperson says the police and Environmental Protection Agency, along with other departments, took anti-smog initiatives, including fines to the smoke-emitting vehicles.

Police also registered cases against the pollution-causing industrial units and individuals engaging in illegal paddy crop stubble burning.

Police and other departments also closed 12 industrial units, seized 1,157 vehicles emitting smoke, and arrested several persons for violations related to brick kilns and waste burning.

With no immediate respite in sight, Lahore’s smog crisis has underscored the urgent need for sustainable environmental reforms and robust policies to protect public health.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2024