Rain brings respite from smog

LAHORE:

Following rain and thunderstorms in parts of Lahore and nearby cities on Sunday, the provincial capital saw some improvement in its air quality.

The brief spell of rain provided short-lived relief but failed to disperse the dense haze that has kept Lahore among the world's most polluted cities in recent days.

Lahore's Air Quality Index (AQI) reading stood at 89 (moderate) on Sunday, with forecasts of a steady rise in pollution levels through the week - reaching as high as 152 by Thursday. Environmental experts warned that the weather conditions could worsen the smog situation in the coming days.

In a bid to curb air pollution, the Punjab government has begun deploying advanced "anti-smog cannons" in Lahore.

The machines spray ultra-fine mist to make harmful airborne particles such as PM2.5 and PM10 settle.

Officials said the devices are integrated into Punjab's real-time air quality monitoring network and linked with the Environment Protection Force.

In view of growing health concerns, the Punjab School Education Department issued detailed instructions to all government and private schools to launch awareness campaigns and implement strict preventive measures during smog days.

The schools were instructed to educate students, parents and the staff about the health risks from smog and the importance of precautions such as wearing masks, staying hydrated, and minimising outdoor exposure.

The department also ordered the schools to post awareness activities on their official social media accounts and submit evidence, including photos and videos.

All outdoor activities - including morning assemblies, sports events, and physical training - are to remain suspended during smog days.

School heads were advised to keep classrooms clean and well-ventilated while ensuring that windows and doors remain closed during high-pollution periods.

The circular directed schools to maintain the emergency health record of students with respiratory or cardiac conditions and to nominate district-level focal persons to coordinate with local health authorities.

The focal persons will monitor daily AQI readings and issue timely guidance to schools. Weekly compliance reports must be submitted every Friday.

The department also reiterated a ban on burning garbage on school premises, emphasising proper waste disposal to avoid adding to the city's pollution.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a warning of heavy rains and thunderstorms triggering flash floods in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Rawalpindi and parts of Kashmir.

The department also cautioned that strong winds and lightning could damage weak structures, electric poles, billboards, and solar panels in the affected regions.

During the past 24 hours, rain and thunderstorms were recorded in several areas of Punjab, including Lahore (25mm at the airport, 18mm in city), Okara (31mm), Toba Tek Singh (33mm), and Noor Pur Thal (47mm).

Hot and dry weather prevailed across South Punjab.

Meteorologists expect light rain to continue in parts of Punjab. However, with AQI forecasts showing persistent pollution, residents have been urged to follow health advisories - especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.