Rain improves air quality in metropolis

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LAHORE:

Light rain in Lahore on Monday morning reduced air pollution in several areas of the city.

Air quality monitors installed at 13 sites across the city recorded a decreased ratio of air pollution as compared to previous days.

The light rain in Lahore and adjoining areas improved the environment and brought relief to the people who had been facing health risks in recent weeks because of pollution amidst a dry spell.

Lahore had been ranked the city with the most polluted air in the world several times during the past two months. Although the smog situation had improved last month, the city had witnessed rising air pollution and light smog in various populous localities during the past couple of months. Lahore again topped the list of the world's most polluted cities a couple of days back.

However, the light rain brought relief to the citizens.

The lowest Air Quality Index in the city was recorded at 140 at Canal Road and the highest at 180 at Barki Road.

According to the monitoring wing of the Punjab Environment Protection Department, the AQI after the rain in Kahna was 172, Shahdara 179, Sagian Bridge and Mahmood Booti 169, Ferozpor Road 156, Egertan Road 158, Safari Park 162, PKLI 171, Punjab University 165 and Town Hall 175.

A spokesman for the EPD said the situation with respect to air pollution had improved significantly because of steps taken by various departments.

The city recorded a cold day with clouds over some areas.

An environmental expert said the clouds had also provided an opportunity to induce artificial rain, which was an effective way of curbing smog.

"Although the light rain was a good thing, we wasted a chance of artificial rain. The opportunity of artificial rain was there in the city from 5:00am till 4:00pm but we could benefit from it," said environmentalist Dr Munawar Sabir.

He said heavy rain in the city was needed to reduce the intensity of air pollution.

He said the type of clouds that had remained over ten city for the whole day had provided an ideal situation for artificial rain.