LAHORE: The provincial metropolis was once again ranked most polluted city in the world with hazardous air quality conditions prevailing on Monday.

The severity of the situation was evident in the early hours when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 447, as reported by www.iqair.com, a global air quality monitoring platform. Even at the time of filing this report, Lahore’s AQI stood at 325. It is important to note that air is considered safe to breathe when the AQI is below 50.

Specific areas within Lahore experienced even worse air quality, with real-time AQI measurements including 403 near the Lahore American School at 8:50pm, 385 at Polo Ground Cantt, 377 on Syed Maratab Ali Road, 346 in DHA Phase-V, 341 at the CERP office, 325 at Pakistan Engineering Services (Private), 325 on Shahrah-i-Quaid-i-Azam Road, 291 at the US Consulate, 271 at Generation Pvt Ltd, and 268 at Aitchison College.

The caretaker government on Monday also discussed the smog situation in a cabinet meeting.

MWMC acts against littering, residue burning

Punjab Minister for Environmental Protection Bilal Afzal addressed the current smog situation, attributing the increase to recent changes in wind direction.

He said the government is implementing measures to control smog-inducing factors and assured that no further smog increase is anticipated this week due to weather conditions, and there will be no holiday on Wednesday.

He said the decision for the following week will be made based on the situation.

Dr Jamal Nasir mentioned that this year’s smog situation in the city is comparatively better than the previous year.

He advised using masks and frequent hand-washing to mitigate health risks from urban smog.

Meanwhile, Multan Waste Management Company has initiated action against littering and open burning for smog monitoring.

MWMC Chief Executive Officer Shahid Yaqub instructed the company’s enforcement squad to inspect various property owners and impose heavy fines.

On this occasion, an awareness rally about smog was also organised and company officers and staff participated in it.

The CEO said strict action would be taken against littering and garbage burning and legal notices were also being issued to those who pollute public places.

He further mentioned that for smog control, cleanliness campaigns are also being carried out on major roads.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2023