Lahore Faces Severe Pollution Crisis with AQI of 1,900: Government Takes Urgent Measures

Lahore Faces Record-High AQI of 1,900: Government Implements Emergency Measures to Combat Severe Pollution Crisis and Health Risks

It just so happens that Lahore-the Pakistan’s second-biggest city-was also ranked this week as the world’s most polluted city with the alarming Air Quality Index being recorded at 1,900. Such an unparalleled level of pollution recorded by the city on Saturday created alarm among local authorities as well as health experts who felt there was an urgent need for action. According to record, the AQI level is the highest ever found in the city and around the Pakistan-India border.

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Rapid growth in pollution levels in Lahore has brought about serious health concerns for the residents of this city. Data coming from the provincial government and Swiss monitoring group IQ Air reveal that Lahore topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities on Sunday. At such high levels of pollutants in the air, the residents are at great risk of suffering from respiratory problems, heart diseases, and other health issues.

An emergency action plan has been issued by the administration in the aftermath of the crisis. Schools at primary levels have been shut for a week and parents are also advised to get their kids wear masks outdoors. “Work from homes has been ordered for 50% office employees to reduce vehicle emissions,” said Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb while speaking at a news conference. The decision was part of a wider strategy aimed at reducing the population movement in general and the pollution caused by vehicles by implication.

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In addition, the government asked people to stay inside as much as possible and not to make unnecessary travels. Windows and doors should be kept closed so there would be minimum exposure to toxic air. All hospitals in the city were requested to set up smog counters and prepare for a rise in patients due to the health issues brought about by smog.

There were further measures beyond the banning of three-wheeler rickshaws, which have become very popular modes of transport in many regions, contributing much to air pollution. The construction sites were limited in some regions, and rules regarding factories tightened, making them follow standards regarding pollution control. In case they could not obey the given regulations, these factories and construction sites were allowed the opportunity of closing.

Aurangzeb labeled the situation “sudden” and referred to blowing winds from the Indian border that were polluting and aggravating smog over Lahore. She again said that the need was to start talks with India for cross-border pollution discussion. Similar to the Delhi, India case, air quality in Lahore worsens during winter when it experiences temperature inversion; during this process, it becomes trapped close to the earth, creating unhealthy life for millions of inhabitants in this city.

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