LAHORE: The Punjab capital city recorded a maximum Air Quality Index (AQI) level of 282 at 11am ranking it as the fifth most polluted city in the world by 7:30pm.

High levels of air pollution were also reported in other areas of the city, including Zacky Farms (AQI 310), University of Management and Technology (270) FAST University Lahore (266), Polo Ground Cantt (263) and CERP Office (249).

In response to the escalating pollution levels, Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi initiated a cleanliness drive aimed at combating smog in Lahore.

The campaign, which began on Sunday, involved four teams, each comprising 100 members, tasked with clearing the roads of dust. The initiative is designed to improve air quality without disrupting traffic flow.

The Lahore Waste Management Authority (LWMC) has officially launched an ambitious plan to transform the city into a dust-free zone. The initiative, which involves the mechanical washing and sweeping of 79 roads in a phased manner, commenced during night shift.

Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa, along with LWMC CEO Babar Sahib Din, inspected the washing operations on Ferozepur Road and Shahdara. The CEO said a special washing activity was completed from Ravi Bridge to Shahdara Mor during the night shift, persisting from 10pm until dawn.

The thorough cleaning and washing of Ferozepur Road from MAO College to Shanghai Bridge were also completed during this special overnight activity.

The CEO highlighted the extensive effort involved in the process, which included the use of 18 mechanical washers, 12 mechanical sweepers, and 40 tractor sweepers.

The LWMC spokesperson confirmed that mechanical sweeping was completed on Pine Avenue, Abdul Sattar Edhi Road, Thokar Chowk, Egerton Road, and Lytton Road. Sweeping activity also continued on Canal Road, The Mall, Nazria-i-Pakistan Road, Wahdat Road, and Zahoor Elahi Road. The spokesperson further added that mechanical sweeping continued throughout the night at Khayaban-i-Jinnah, Khayaban-i-Firdousi, Main Boulevard, Johar Town, Samanabad Underpass, and Raiwind Road.

Moreover, mechanical sweeping and washing were completed on the Muslim Town Flyover, Siddique Trade Centre Flyover, Maulana Shaukat Ali Flyover, Lahore Bridge, and Shahdara Flyover.

The CEO emphasised the ongoing commitment to nightly mechanical washing and sweeping of vital roads, using all available resources to ensure a pristine environment for residents. This initiative marks a significant step towards a cleaner and healthier Lahore.

However, environmental experts suggest that more can be done to reduce smog. They recommend implementing laws restricting the release of certain chemicals into the atmosphere and promoting “burn days” for yard waste.

They also encourage individuals to reduce their carbon footprint by driving less, maintaining their vehicles, fueling up during cooler hours of the day, and using low-VOC products and electric appliances.

Despite these efforts, the experts noted that the state lacks the necessary equipment to monitor emissions from factories and other industrial units. The fight against pollution, therefore, remains a significant challenge for the city.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2023