Emergency plan enforced in Punjab as toxic air from India pushes AQI to 257

Air quality across Punjab plunged to hazardous levels as polluted air drifting in from India’s eastern Punjab blanketed major cities in thick smog, with Sheikhupura recording the highest Air Quality Index at 257. The provincial government swiftly enforced its smog emergency plan to curb emissions and control stubble burning.

Environmental analyses indicate that the current spike in pollution is primarily driven by smoke originating from India’s eastern Punjab particularly the industrial and agricultural regions of Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Haryana. Crop residue burning in these areas has significantly increased PM2.5 and PM10 particulate levels, intensifying smog conditions across the entire region.

In the early morning on Saturday, winds blowing at 2–4 miles per hour from the west and northwest temporarily improved air quality. However, as wind speeds dropped to 0–2 miles per hour around noon, pollutants began to accumulate again. By evening, winds shifting to the east and southeast at 4–6 miles per hour pushed the polluted air further into central Punjab.

Among Punjab’s cities, Sheikhupura recorded the highest AQI at 257, followed by Faisalabad at 253 and Lahore at 241. Other cities reported the following AQI levels: Gujranwala 208, Dera Ghazi Khan 167, Sargodha 151, Bahawalpur 143, Sialkot 139, Multan 132, and Rawalpindi 110.

Within Lahore, AQI readings varied sharply across different monitoring stations. Safari Park registered an alarming 339, followed by Barki Road (322), Multan Road (298), Shahdara (220), GT Road (213), Kahna Nau (207), Punjab University (199), and DHA Phase 6 (187).

According to the Smog Monitoring and Early Warning System, Lahore’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) over the next 24 hours is expected to remain between 220 and 240, a range considered very unhealthy for human health.

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In response, the Punjab government has activated its Smog Emergency Plan, initiating immediate actions across the province. Crackdowns are underway against brick kilns, factories, and vehicles emitting visible smoke. Field teams from the Environment Protection Department and Forest Department remain on 24-hour duty. A zero-tolerance policy is being enforced against the burning of crop residues.

Authorities are also deploying smog guns for water sprinkling and road cleaning operations in urban centers. Sprinklers have been installed at construction sites to minimize dust dispersion.

Under directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Smog Control Mission has accelerated its efforts. The introduction of super seeder technology in agriculture has so far protected nearly 750 acres of farmland from stubble burning. Additionally, the relocation of over 30 industrial units to the long-delayed Sialkot Industrial Tannery Zone has contributed to a notable reduction in industrial pollution.

The use of bailers to collect and repurpose crop residues is also gaining momentum.

According to Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, the government’s top priorities include inter-district coordination, strict monitoring, and public participation to combat smog. She said that under the Green Punjab Vision, sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives are being fast-tracked to make smog reduction achievable.

The Environment Protection Department has urged citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during morning and evening hours, wear protective masks, and promptly report any incidents of stubble burning to local authorities.