Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city and home to over 14 million residents, is grappling with hazardous air pollution as its Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the “very unhealthy” range. Despite a slight improvement on Monday, the city recorded an AQI of 250, highlighting a severe smog crisis that continues to disrupt daily life and public health.
Air Quality Across Key Locations
Real-time data shows widespread pollution throughout Lahore:
- Syed Maratib Ali Road: AQI 688 (“Hazardous”)
- Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam: AQI 455 (“Very Unhealthy”)
- Valencia Town: AQI 332
- WWF-Pakistan: AQI 310
Other areas like Ghazi Road Interchange (276 AQI) and CERP Office (294 AQI) also report alarming pollution levels, indicating the pervasive nature of the crisis.
Comparing Regional Pollution
Pakistan’s Punjab province is heavily affected:
- Multan: AQI 198 (“Very Unhealthy”)
- Lahore: AQI 197
- Karachi: AQI 163
- Rawalpindi: AQI 157
In comparison, India’s capital, New Delhi, topped the global AQI list with a shocking 1687, prompting authorities to shift schools to online classes.
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Health Emergency Declared
The hazardous smog has led to a deepening health crisis:
- Over 75,000 individuals sought treatment for respiratory issues in Punjab on a single day.
- Cases included asthma (3,359), heart diseases (286), and conjunctivitis (627), with the highest numbers recorded in Lahore.
In response, the Punjab government declared a health emergency in Lahore and Multan. Measures include:
- A 10-day ban on construction activities.
- Restrictions on business hours.
- Schools shifting to online classes.
Causes of Lahore’s Smog Crisis
Experts attribute the worsening air quality to:
- Illegal stubble burning in surrounding areas.
- Emissions from low-grade diesel vehicles.
- Seasonal weather trapping pollutants.
- Cross-border pollution from neighboring India.
Transportation Disruptions
The dense smog has severely impacted transportation:
- Over 20 flights at Lahore Airport were delayed due to poor visibility.
- Train services experienced significant disruptions, further complicating travel for residents.
Government and Public Response
Authorities have urged residents to take precautions:
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
- Use fog lights while driving.
- Adhere to speed limits to ensure road safety.
Despite these measures, the smog remains a major public health threat, with experts warning that conditions may not improve until significant weather changes occur.
The persistent smog crisis in Lahore underscores the urgent need for regional cooperation and stricter environmental regulations to combat air pollution. Addressing these issues is essential to protect public health and restore normalcy in daily life.