Lahore ranked number one in world pollution list
LAHORE: Lahore once again ranks as the most polluted city in the world, with an overall air pollution level recorded at 292 AQI.
Due to smog and hazardous air quality, residents in Lahore have been advised to avoid going outdoors unless absolutely necessary.
According to the Smog Monitoring Center, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 292 on Sunday, primarily due to easterly winds carrying pollutants into the city. Experts have warned that exposure to such high pollution levels can lead to severe health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, cancer, and even premature death. Both outdoor and indoor air pollution are linked to a wide range of harmful health outcomes, affecting lung development, cognitive abilities, and life expectancy.
Additionally, experts noted that due to low morning temperatures, polluted particles remain suspended in the air for extended periods. To counter this, anti-smog guns will be deployed in areas with the highest pollution levels.
The Meteorological Department has also confirmed that there is no chance of rain in Lahore in the coming days, further aggravating the smog situation.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has vowed to take measures to cope with pollution. India’s Mumbai (172) and New Delhi (184) ranked third and second in the list, respectively. The fourth most polluted city in the list was also an Indian, Kolkata with 154 AQI and UAE’s Dubai ranked fifth with 151 AQI. The quality of air in these cities falls in the ‘unhealthy’ category.
Every winter, Lahore faces the challenge of smog because of various factors — most importantly burning of crop residues and stubble. Pakistan’s second-largest city after the southern port city of Karachi has a population of about 13 million, and is a key hub for commerce, banking, and industry.
Several parts of South Asia suffer pollution every winter as cold air traps pollutants, such as emissions, dust and smoke from burning on farms to clear the remnants of rice crops before wheat is planted.
The Punjab government has asked growers to adopt eco-friendly alternatives like composting, mulching, super seeders and bio-decomposers to protect soil and skies.
In an advisory, Environment Protection and Climate Change Department of Punjab said on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a province-wide campaign was underway against the burning of crop residues.
The provincial government has warned of strict legal action against those who burn garbage, crop residue, or stubble.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) force, police, and district administration are engaged in a joint anti-smog operation, the climate change department said.
“The wind speed on Sunday is likely to be low, ranging from 1 to 9 kilometers per hour,” it said. APP
