Lahore continues to grapple with severe air pollution and smog, maintaining its position as the world’s most polluted city.
Smog enveloped the provincial capital early this morning, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to a dangerous 650. A green lockdown remains in effect, and fines are being levied against those contributing to the pollution.
Multan and Peshawar are also experiencing a significant increase in smog, causing respiratory problems and eye irritation among residents. Delhi, India, holds the second spot in terms of air pollution, with its AQI reaching 429. The smoke from crop residue burning in India is significantly contributing to Pakistan’s smog problem.
The Punjab government has issued an alert for for Sunday, urging citizens to stay indoors with windows and doors closed. The alert warns that severe smog conditions are expected to persist for the next 48 hours.
NASA has released satellite imagery showing widespread crop residue burning in India, exacerbating the smog. Medical experts advise citizens to wear masks when venturing outdoors.
Raja Jahangir Anwar, Secretary of the Punjab Environment Protection Department, stated that the burning of crop residue in India is likely to further increase Lahore’s AQI in the next 24 hours.
He noted that the current wind speed of 4 kilometers per hour may carry the polluted air towards Lahore for several more hours.
