Smog Continues to Engulf Lahore and Central Punjab, Ranked 2nd Most Polluted City in the World
Key Highlights :
The provincial capital of Lahore, Pakistan is at the center of an environmental crisis as the city was ranked the second most polluted city in the world on Thursday. The overall air quality index (AQI) in the city was recorded at 411, with readings of 414 over Syed Maratab Ali Road, 510 over Phase-8 of the DHA, 428 over Fida Hussain Road, and 411 over The Mall. The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that temperatures are dropping in the city, making the smog even more unbearable.
The Punjab government has taken action to deal with the crisis, announcing a public holiday in Lahore and Gujranwala divisions on Friday. This decision was taken in order to reduce the amount of smoke billowing from the chimneys of different factories in the suburbs of Gujranwala. The AQI in the city reached 190 on Thursday, further highlighting the severity of the situation.
In addition to the public holiday, the Punjab government has also implemented various measures to reduce the amount of smog in the air. These include the introduction of a ban on crop burning, a ban on brick kilns, and the closure of factories emitting pollutants. The government has also launched an awareness campaign to educate people on the importance of reducing air pollution.
Weathermen have also said that a rain-producing system will enter the city today in the evening, bringing some respite from the smog at least for a few days. This will be a welcome relief to the residents of Lahore and the surrounding areas, who have been suffering from the effects of smog for weeks now.
It is clear that the situation in Lahore and the surrounding areas is dire, and it is up to the government and the citizens to take action to reduce air pollution. The Punjab government has taken the initiative to reduce smog levels, and it is now up to the citizens to follow the instructions and take the necessary steps to protect the environment. The citizens must also take it upon themselves to spread awareness about the importance of reducing air pollution, and to take preventive measures to ensure that the situation does not worsen in the future.
