LAHORE: A rain forecast has created hopes of smog levels falling in Lahore and its adjoining areas.

This week has been the worst in terms of air quality with smog levels going as far as 700 in some areas and the average being above 400.

On Friday, a private air quality device located near the US Consulate had reported smog level of 441 on the US AQI (Air Quality Index), while on Saturday it was roughly the same at 408.

Upper Mall recorded smog level of 307, Cantt 364, Lahore American School 299, Forman Christian College University 403 and Gulberg 266 – all readings declared ‘hazardous’ and ‘very unhealthy’.

Other cities of Punjab also reported dismal data. Real-time ranking showed Faisalabad at the top with 438, Gujranwala 413, Multan 376, Muridke 353, Raiwind 308 and Islamabad and Rawalpindi 155.

However, a spell of light rain is expected on Sunday (today) and Monday, which may reduce the thick shroud of smog that has been hovering over the region as a westerly wave rides the province.

The Met Department forecasts rain and thunderstorm in Bhakkar and Layyah districts from Friday night to Saturday, while light to moderate rain-thunderstorm is expected in Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Lahore from Saturday to Monday morning.

But, as the public awaits any rainfall, several people have already been affected.

“For a few days, I have been experiencing a terrible eye infection and chest congestion,” says Iftikhar Hussain, a delivery boy who travels on a motorbike. “Even a mask has not protected me.”

Others have complained of falling sick with flu-like symptoms.Doctors, too, say that patients have started trickling in with respiratory illnesses and eye and skin allergies.

“As if Covid wasn’t stressing people out, they must now deal with the impact of smog,” says Dr Naz, a private consultant. “Too many people, especially children, are coming in with a terrible cough and even conjunctivitis or reddish and watery eyes. Even long-term effects of smog are bad, including lead in the bloodstream leading to mental health issues or health complications for pregnant women or the elderly.”

Meanwhile, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Relief Commissioner Babar Hayat Tarar said: “Rain will reduce the intensity of smog,” admitting that the largest contributor happened to be the transport sector.

He was speaking at a briefing on anti-smog operations at their headquarters on Saturday. The meeting was attended by all officers concerned, including PDMA Director General Omar Shehzad Khurram, the director as well as operational director.

“Vehicular emissions are a major challenge for us during the anti-smog operations. Owners of private vehicles should ensure that they obtain a fitness certificate for their vehicle and the use of unhealthy fuels should be discouraged,” he added.

The DG told the relief commissioner that according to the Environment Protection Department, during the last 24 hours the highest smog levels in Lahore were recorded in the vicinity of Town Hall at 253 AQI.

“The EPD has instructed citizens to wear goggles with masks and stay safe from dehydration in all areas where smog is being felt,” he conveyed.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2020