LAHORE, Aug 21: Anarkali and Ichhra are most polluted areas of the provincial capital, reveals a report.

According to Sustainable Development Centre, the report has been prepared to provide a clear picture of the current situation of pollution in main localities of Lahore including Anarkali, Urdu Bazaar, Kalma Chowk, Ichhra and Data Darbar Chowk to measure sound pollution and the amount of oxides of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur.

Results indicate a wide variation in the amount of gases currently present in the air from those of National Emission Quality Standards’ range i.e., very polluted 100mg/m3. The biggest SOx value was recorded at Kalma Chowk at 155mg/m3 while amount of NOx was much higher in Ichhra i.e., 125mg/m3.

Anarkali and Ichhra were also polluted with high amount of COx i.e., 247mg/m3 and 182mg/m3 respectively.

Sound levels were much higher in Anarkali and Urdu Bazaar i.e., 101.2 db than those of NEQS range of 70db.

The pollution levels at Anarkali and Ichhra areas were higher compared to National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and World Health Organization (WHO).

There is a need to take preventive measures as such high amounts of gases (SOx, NOx, COx) and dust particles may greatly increase respiratory diseases. —APP