Lahore is currently grappling with dangerously high levels of air pollution, earning the distinction of being the most polluted city globally. This alarming situation has prompted significant health concerns for its inhabitants and has led to urgent calls for measures to address the escalating environmental crisis. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached an astonishing 708, while the day’s lowest reading still recorded an alarming 246 between 4 PM and 5 PM, categorized as “very unhealthy.”
The level of PM2.5 has risen to a concerning 431µg/m³, which is an astonishing 86.2 times greater than the annual threshold established by the World Health Organization. This environmental predicament has serious health repercussions, fueling demands for swift government intervention to tackle the relentless smog crisis and its harmful effects on public health.
For the second consecutive time, Lahore has been identified as the world’s most polluted city, with New Delhi in second place reporting a much lower AQI of 232 at 11 PM, peaking at 271 at 6 AM. Numerous locations within Lahore have registered alarmingly high AQI levels, such as a staggering 953 at the CERP office in Gulberg, 810 at Pakistan Engineering Services Ltd, and 784 at Syed Maratab Ali Road.
Experts are increasingly skeptical about the government’s assertions regarding the primary causes of smog, including vehicle emissions and stubble burning. Some have pointed out that smog can be seen in the Lahore area even during June, suggesting there may be additional influencing factors. They are urging the government to provide ‘accurate data’ on smog formation and to raise public awareness about its detrimental health effects.
Raja Jahangir Anwar, the Secretary of the Environment Protection and Culture Change Department (EPCCD), emphasized several contributors to Lahore’s smog, such as emissions from vehicles, crop residue burning, factory discharges, and brick kilns. He noted that the current AQI readings depend on “private and low-cost sensors,” which might affect their reliability.
In discussing smog’s origins, Anwar highlighted the lack of thorough scientific investigation, citing three conflicting studies from Pakistan that attribute varying percentages of smog to vehicular emissions, spanning from 40% to 80%. The congestion caused by millions of motorcycles and cars, along with numerous factories and stubble burning in surrounding districts like Kasur, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and Gujranwala, exacerbates the problem.
Currently, the government has three functioning air quality monitors in Lahore, with plans to deploy additional devices by November 10. Anwar stated, “The government has three operational air quality monitors in Gulberg, Mall Road, and Punjab University, with eight more set for installation by Nov 10. This will bring the total to 16 once we include five mobile van monitors being added this year. A central control room has been established, and daily air quality updates are released from the station.”
In reaction to the deteriorating air quality, the Punjab government has established an 11-member committee comprising experts from various environmental and research organizations, tasked with developing standardized AQI reports. This committee will address inconsistencies in data, assess available technologies, and recommend a regulatory framework for dependable AQI reporting.
To combat the ongoing air quality crisis, the Punjab government has issued an emergency notification advising Lahore’s residents to wear masks and keep their windows shut. At-risk groups, such as the elderly, infants, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular issues, are encouraged to stay indoors. Additionally, enforcement measures include the confiscation of smoke-emitting vehicles, the adoption of zigzag technology in brick kilns, and penalties for farmers who engage in crop residue burning.
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