Persistent smog persisted in Punjab while the Meteorological Office predicted rainfall.
Multiple cities in Punjab persist under a dense layer of mist and fog, with Lahore ranking as the most polluted city globally and nationally, exhibiting an AQI value of 790.
The Met Office has predicted probable rainfall throughout major areas of Punjab from now until November 16.
An early morning Air Quality Index data indicated that smog enveloped 10 districts of Punjab, with Lahore recording a maximum AQI of 1038. The AQI levels recorded were 451 in Bahawalpur, 425 in Multan, and 405 in Faisalabad, as per the report.
The unsanitary air is inducing ocular discomfort, respiratory issues, and various health complications in multiple cities, disrupting daily living.
Recent AQI readings indicate that Multan is second in the country with a score of 451, followed by Peshawar in third with 285, Haripur in fourth with 223, and Rawalpindi in fifth with 220 points.
The Lahore administration has persisted in its efforts to combat smog. Seventy-five shops, one marriage hall, and fourteen eateries in the city have been sealed for violating the standard operating procedures.
Visibility restrictions persisted throughout the majority of the province’s districts, while numerous stretches of motorways were closed due to these limitations.
Lahore has consistently classified as one of the most polluted cities in the world, necessitating immediate action from authorities.
Senior provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that the air flow from India has been directed towards Lahore for one week, leading to an escalation in pollution levels. This matter could not be addressed without consulting India.
“Polluted eastern winds originating from India are directed towards Lahore,” stated Jahangir Anwar, secretary of the environment protection department.
Anwar stated, “This contaminated air has exacerbated smog in Lahore and significantly elevated the AQI reading.”
A top environmental protection official stated to AFP earlier, “We have never attained a level of 1,000.”
Lahore has been shrouded in pollution for several days, a combination of fog and toxins resulting from low-quality diesel emissions, smoke from seasonal agricultural burning, and winter cooling.
Air pollution in Lahore significantly exceeded the levels considered acceptable by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In November, the concentration of hazardous PM2.5 pollutants – fine particulate matter detrimental to health — reached a maximum of 1,067.