As many as 500 people have fallen sick due to toxic smog and reached the emergencies of local hospitals, during the last 24 hours. The smog has become a real threat to citizens in the provincial metropolis, as the air pollution rate in the provincial capital increased to an alarming level. Lahore is again on the top of the world’s most polluted cities these days. According to the Punjab Health Department (PHD) sources, more than 200 patients reached Jinnah Hospital, 150 patients each reached Mayo and Gangaram Hospitals. Prof Ashraf Zia of Jinnah Hospital told APP that complaints of dry cough, sore throat, itchy eyes and difficulty in breathing are being reported due to smog. He said that number of patients have also been increased with problems of nose, ear, throat and lungs.
Medical experts have suggested that the respiratory patients should take special precautions during smog, adding they should not go out of their homes, making sure to use masks and glasses and using dry fruits and coffee. Smog and the air pollution are one of the main factors associated with the development of allergic respiratory disease, the experts said adding that it has been shown to impair lung development in children and adolescents.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has declared smog a disaster, while Director PDMA Nazia Jabeen has written a letter to provincial management to take immediate measures to combat smog. All the deputy commissioners have been given authority of Relief Commissioners to take action against all contributing in smog, and administrative orders have been issued accordingly. There is a complete ban on burning crops and the management has been issued instructions for a strict crackdown against vehicles emitting smoke as well. Action will be taken against all factories that are causing environmental pollution. The district administration will closely monitor all industries and brick-kilns, Director PDMA said. She also directed to take strict action against those who violate government orders, also stressing to establish strong communication with the public and seek videos where violations occur. The PDMA will also organize seminars in universities, colleges, and schools for smog control.
The air pollution in Lahore has increased to an alarming level as the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city reached 483, the worst in the world in terms of pollution. A blanket of smog which had been hovering over Lahore since the last few days thickened on Sunday, causing thousands to complaints about breathing problems, eye irritation and reduced visibility on roads.
