Pollution taints air in several areas of metropolis

Patches of smog and fog likely in early morning, night

LAHORE:

Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 241 on Saturday, maintaining its position as the most polluted city in the world.

Despite reduced traffic due to blocked entry and exit points, the city's sky remained hazy.

Lahore topped the list of polluted cities with the AQI of 241, followed by Delhi at 224.

The most polluted area in the provincial capital was near the CERP Office, where the AQI reached 376, followed by 352 near Pakistan Engineering Services.

Syed Maratib Ali Road, Ghazi Road Interchange, WWF-Pakistan, the US consulate and Valencia Town were also affected by air pollution.

Cold and dry weather was predicted for Lahore and other parts of Punjab, according to Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) officials.

They predicted predominantly cold and dry conditions across most of the country.

However, patches of smog and fog are likely to appear in the plains of Punjab and upper Sindh during the early morning and night hours.

On Saturday, the minimum temperature recorded in Lahore was 13.4°C and maximum 25°C.

Meanwhile, 38 cases were registered and 17 people were arrested during a crackdown on those causing smog across Punjab.

A police spokesman said fine had been imposed on 598 people and warnings issued to 126.

In addition, 16 incidents of crop residue burning, 500 of vehicles emitting excessive smoke, two of brick kilns and one other place were reported.

The Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department revealed that 61,024 cases of respiratory diseases were reported in the province on Saturday.

Hospitals recorded 4,211 asthma cases, 2,105 of ischemic heart diseases, 181 of stroke and 385 of conjunctivitis.

Lahore recorded 3,690 cases of respiratory diseases, 209 of asthma, 552 of heart diseases, 56 of stroke and 63 of conjunctivitis.

The authorities urged citizens to adopt preventive measures such as wearing masks, reducing outdoor exposure and using air purifiers where possible to minimise health risks.

Meanwhile, 37 shops were sealed in Lahore for violating the business operating hours imposed as part of the efforts to combat smog.

The district administration enforced the orders for markets to close at

8pm and restaurants at 10pm.

Action was also taken in Raiwind against illegal land development using heavy machinery.

An arrest was made and a case was registered following a prior warning issued to the developers.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza called upon the business community to cooperate in reducing the impact of smog.