LAHORE – Satellite-based monitoring has revealed alarming levels of smog and air pollution across Punjab, with 32 of the province’s 36 districts experiencing high to extremely severe pollution levels, according to a latest report released by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
The report, covering all 36 districts, has been made available on the Space4Climate website as part of ongoing satellite surveillance of the province’s deteriorating air quality.
According to SUPARCO, 499 fire incidents were detected at different locations across Punjab during the last 24 hours, while another 744 incidents were recorded in neighbouring cross-border areas during the same period.
The average Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), an indicator of airborne particles and atmospheric pollution, was recorded at 1.52, reflecting the persistence of severe air pollution across the province.
Muzaffargarh, Dera Ghazi Khan and Hafizabad reported the highest concentrations of airborne pollutants. Hafizabad, Jhang, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura and Muzaffargarh were among the districts facing particularly alarming smog conditions. Khanewal, Okara and Faisalabad were also listed among the severely polluted areas.
The report warned that air pollution was adversely affecting visibility and air quality, while prevailing atmospheric conditions on November 13 were highly unfavourable for the dispersion of pollutants.
Nitrogen dioxide levels, however, were recorded 12 per cent below the seasonal average.
SUPARCO has forecast a gradual decline in smog intensity over the next three days. According to its forecast, PM2.5 concentrations are expected to fall from 106 micrograms per cubic metre on November 11 to 86 on November 12 and 56 on November 13.
Model projections also indicate that PM2.5 levels could decline from 133 to 56 micrograms per cubic metre over the next three days. However, meteorological conditions are expected to remain highly unfavourable for the dispersion of air pollutants.
The ventilation rate, which indicates the atmosphere’s capacity to disperse pollutants, was recorded at 1,130 square metres per second on November 13. It is expected to increase to 1,431 square metres per second on November 12, although overall conditions are still forecast to remain unfavourable.
Satellite imagery further revealed that only five per cent of Punjab’s geographical area had clear skies, while 62 per cent was covered by haze, smog and smoke. Another 28 per cent of the province was under fog or low-level clouds, while five per cent was covered by clouds.
SUPARCO said satellite-based surveillance of smog and air pollution was continuing across all 36 districts of Punjab to monitor changing environmental conditions.
