Punjab smothered by toxic smog

With the onset of November, Punjab has once again plunged into the grip of severe air pollution and smog.

On Sunday, Lahore's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a hazardous level of 394, placing the city among the most polluted in the world, according to international standards.

Air quality remained dangerously high across various parts of the city, recording 595 in Gulberg, 557 near the Civil Secretariat, and 547 in Iqbal Town, causing breathing difficulties and eye irritation among residents.

Other cities across Punjab also reported alarming AQI levels, with Dera Ghazi Khan at 500, Gujranwala at 379, Faisalabad at 377, and Multan at 276.

The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has intensified its crackdown against major polluters. A special operation led by Deputy Director Environment Lahore, Ali Ijaz, resulted in the demolition of the illegal Fareedia Steel Mill, which was found burning carbon without authorization and releasing industrial waste. During the operation, 2,000 kilograms of carbon and illegal arms were seized, while an attempted assault on the EPA team was swiftly foiled by police.

According to the EPA, 14,472 brick kilns across the province have been inspected so far. Of these, 335 have been sealed, 206 demolished, and 387 cases registered for violations. Additionally, 377 industrial units were inspected, resulting in two closures and fines totaling Rs500,000.

The Agriculture Department reported that in its campaign against crop residue burning, 4,613 super seeders have been distributed to farmers, while 93 FIRs have been registered and Rs9 million in fines imposed.

Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said the provincial government, under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is pursuing a "Clean Air, Healthy Punjab" initiative. She emphasized that the government's approach focuses on long-term reforms rather than reactive measures, with all departments working jointly to curb pollution. The Environment Department stated that 41 air quality monitoring stations are currently active across Punjab. Citizens can register complaints via the Green Punjab App or by calling the helpline 1373.

To mitigate smog's health impacts, the government has also revised school timings. According to Director General Environment Punjab Imran Hamid Sheikh, all public and private schools, colleges, and special education centers across the province will now open no earlier than 8:45am. The new schedule takes effect from November 3 and will remain in force until January 31, 2026.

Violations of the directive will carry fines ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs500,000 for the first offense, and up to Rs1 million for repeat violations. Citizens have been urged to report non-compliance through the EPA helpline 1373 or the Green Punjab App.