Overnight rain brings respite

City residents faced health risks from smog during dry spell

LAHORE:

Light rain on Sunday night and Monday morning in Lahore and nearby cities provided the citizens much-sought relief from smog and toxic air pollution that had gripped the metropolis for the past many days.

The rain accompanied by wind helped diffuse the smog, bringing relief for the residents who had been suffering due to the air pollution.

The rain began at midnight in various parts of Lahore, including the Walled City, Gulberg, Samanabad, Shahdara, Sandha, Gulshan Ravi, Shaad Bagh and Thokar Niaz Baig.

Another spell of light rain was witnessed in the morning, which reduced the smog in the city at the peak time.

The Punjab government had been struggling to prevent the smog during the past month and had formed monitoring teams at the district and Tehsil levels along with continuing efforts for the purpose by the environment protection and transport departments, traffic police and the district administration.

A large number of citizens, especially children and elderly people, were affected by diseases linked to the smog, including breathing issues, chest infection, cough and eye ailments. The number of visitors to the outpatient departments of hospitals had increased drastically.

The residents enjoyed the much awaited change in weather marked by cool breeze during the day.

The rain also heralded the advent of a cold season in the city, with residents seen wearing sweaters and jackets.

"This rain was direly needed during the season after the departments responsible for preventing the smog appeared helpless,” Punjab University Integrated Mountain Research Centre’s head Dr Munawer Sabir said while speaking to The Express Tribune.

A senior official of the EPD said the government was struggling to stop burning of tyres and tubes.

The official said lectures and seminars would be organised at major government and private sector universities to create awareness about the issue.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 15^th, 2022..