LAHORE – The capital city of Punjab province, Lahore, again ranked the most polluted city in the world as air quality remains hazardous with AQI reaching 751 on Wednesday.
Data available on Swiss air quality monitor IQAir’s website shows the concentration of harmful particulate matter (PM2.5) pollutants that cause the most damage to health, surged to 451.5, which is 90.3 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value.
The government officials said that smog-laden air pressure from India has worsened the air quality in Lahore, adding that the situation could be more worse in coming three days.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has appealed to citizens to strictly follow precautionary measures over the next three days, stating that, in consultation with meteorological experts, the option of artificial rainfall will be considered.
She further said that all efforts would be made to stop sources that contribute to smog. She asked citizens to report violations of environmental laws by calling 1373 or using the Green App.
Green Lockdown Imposed in Lahore
Lahore administration imposed ‘Greeen Lockdown’ in several parts of the metropolis to control toxis smog levels.
Despite several measures, smog level continues to stay over 500, and in decisive move to combat escalating air pollution, Lahore officials announced lockdown in several regions.
The locations include Abbot Road (from Shimla Hill to Gulistan Cinema), Empress Road (from Shimla Hill to Railway Headquarters), Queen Mary Road (from Durand Road to Allama Iqbal Road), as well as Davis Road, Egerton Road, and Kashmir Road.
DG Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh implemented a “green lockdown” targeting specific pollution hotspots.
