Smog pushes Lahore AQI to 'unhealthy' levels

Air quality in Lahore is expected to deteriorate on October 1 (today),  with levels ranging from unhealthy for sensitive groups during the day to unhealthy by nightfall, according to Punjab’s environmental monitoring system.

Forecasts show that the Air Quality Index (AQI) will average around 170. Between noon and 5pm, levels are expected to remain between 120 and 145, while by 11:30pm, the AQI may rise to between 140 and 165. Officials noted that pollution levels are usually highest in the morning and late evening due to temperature changes, while they tend to improve slightly during the afternoon.

Traffic congestion continues to be a major factor, with a slight increase in pollution observed between 7 and 9am and another steady rise between 5 and 9pm. Although levels usually dip after 1pm, lighter wind speeds limit the dispersal of pollutants, keeping smog risk in place.

To address the worsening air quality, the Environmental Protection Department has begun issuing daily weather and pollution bulletins. A province-wide anti-smog operation is also underway, with the Punjab government implementing preventive measures including Plans A, B, and C.

Read: After deluge, smog looms over Punjab

Authorities have directed all departments to strictly follow last year’s standard operating procedures. Vehicle inspections at Lahore’s entry points have started, and the Environmental Protection Force has been mobilised across Punjab to curb smog.

Senior Provincial Minister Mariyyum Aurangzeb stated that while the situation is currently under control, strict compliance with SOPs is crucial to prevent a severe smog outbreak in the coming weeks.

The Punjab government has launched an air quality forecast system to help curb pollution in the province.

According to a statement, the country's first state-of-the-art system will forecast weather conditions and pollution levels, assisting in reducing air pollution in major cities. Weekly public reports will also be issued.

Aurangzeb said at the inauguration of the system that it combined real-time monitoring with advanced scientific models and would be integrated with international platforms and European forecast facilities. It will function in line with global air quality indices while catering to local requirements.

Data from air quality monitoring stations installed earlier this year will also feed into the system.

Currently, 41 monitoring stations are operational across Punjab, with plans to expand the number to 100 in the coming months.

Read More: How is smog killing South Asians?

The system will not only measure pollution levels and record weather conditions but also provide citizens' health protection advisories.

The senior minister said the system is part of the provincial government plan to curb smog, which includes strict action against crop residue burning, measures to reduce vehicular and industrial emissions, and stronger enforcement of environmental regulations.

She urged citizens to cooperate with the government's efforts to combat pollution and reaffirmed that during smog episodes, children, the elderly, and patients with respiratory illnesses should take extra precautions and avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure.

Meanwhile, authorities in Lahore intensified efforts to curb smog as the city continues to rank among the most polluted urban centres in the world, with fine particulate matter concentrations nearly eight times higher than World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

The US Air Quality Index (AQI) placed Lahore on Friday at a level considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups".

Read More: Punjab’s smog crisis continues to trend

Forecasters predict deterioration in the coming days, with the AQI readings expected to rise to over 15, which falls in the "unhealthy" category.

On the global scale, Lahore ranked fifth among cities with the poorest air quality. The primary pollutant remains PM2.5 microscopic particles.

The environment department has been tasked with seizing unfit loader vehicles, while a ban has been imposed on the entry of defective trolleys carrying sand and soil into the city.

Traffic chokepoints are being identified to ease congestion, and interventions are being planned to improve flow.

All pyrolysis plants in the Lahore division have been demolished, and e-mapping of kilns and industries has been completed.