'Very unhealthy' air imperils city

Lahore tops global list of most polluted urban centres

LAHORE:

Lahore has once again emerged as the most polluted city in the world, registering an average Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 271, according to the latest global air pollution data. This figure places Lahore in the "very unhealthy" category, highlighting an escalating environmental and public health crisis in urban centres. The city's air quality poses severe health risks, prompting urgent calls for action.

Data from IQAir, an international air quality monitoring agency, shows that Delhi, India, recorded an AQI of 218, ranking as the second most polluted city globally. Hanoi, Vietnam, followed with an AQI of 198, while Sofia, Bulgaria, recorded 184. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Wuhan, China, both registered AQIs of 182, rounding out the top five. Other cities on the list include Shanghai, China (173), Dhaka, Bangladesh (171), Karachi (170), and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (167).

Detailed AQI data from Lahore reveals even more alarming figures at specific locations. The AQI at Zacky Farms reached a hazardous level of 433. Other areas, including Polo Ground Cantt (392), Gulberg (370), and DHA Phase 8 (354), also reported critically high readings. Industrial zones such as Peco Road recorded AQI levels of 340, with Raiwind Road at 320. Additional monitoring data showed Pakistan Engineering Services at 314, Raiwind Road near Ada Plot at 304, Valancia Town at 300, and Multan Road at 285. These hotspots underscore the localised contributors to Lahore's overall pollution crisis.

According to experts, AQI readings above 150 are classified as "unhealthy," posing risks for sensitive groups. Values exceeding 200 are "very unhealthy," impacting the general population, while levels over 300 are deemed "hazardous," signalling a public health emergency. With an AQI of 271, Lahore's approximately 11 million residents face significant health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Long-term exposure to polluted air is associated with chronic conditions such as asthma, lung cancer, and heart diseases.

The inclusion of European cities like Sofia and Sarajevo in the rankings illustrates that air pollution is not confined to developing nations. Industrial emissions, reliance on fossil fuels, and insufficient environmental regulations are driving global pollution levels, exacerbating the effects of climate change.

While China has made significant progress in addressing pollution through stricter environmental policies, cities such as Wuhan and Shanghai continue to face challenges during periods of heightened industrial activity or unfavourable weather conditions.

Environmental experts stress the importance of comprehensive strategies to tackle air pollution. Key measures include implementing stricter emissions controls, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and promoting sustainable urban planning. In South Asia, reducing crop residue burning—a major contributor to seasonal smog—remains critical.

Public health officials are also urging immediate protective measures, such as using air purifiers, wearing high-quality masks, and limiting outdoor activities during periods of peak pollution.

The AQI is a standardised metric that measures air pollution based on the concentration of harmful pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and carbon monoxide.