Smog persists amid 'very unhealthy' air

LHC orders submission of report by tomorrow

LAHORE:

The provincial capital's pollution level remained in the very unhealthy category on Monday, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 287, according to the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Despite intermittent enforcement drives and light weekend showers, smog continued to blanket the city, reducing visibility and aggravating health concerns among residents.

According to EPA's report for 8:00am to 3:00pm, the highest AQI in the city was recorded at Kahna Nau Hospital at 446, followed by Government Teaching Hospital Shahdara at 367, LWMC 349, and UET 347. Even relatively open areas such as Safari Park registered readings above 290, reflecting hazardous pollution levels across the city.

Provincially, Lahore topped the list with the worst air quality, followed by Gujranwala 248, Dera Ghazi Khan 245, Hafizabad 223, and Kasur 222. The overall provincial average stood at 189, keeping Punjab's air in the unhealthy bracket.

Meanwhile, taking up petitions on persistent smog, Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court expressed dissatisfaction over the government's performance and sought a comprehensive implementation report by Wednesday from all relevant departments.

During the hearing, a member of a Smog Commission informed the court that a surge in heavy traffic movement after 11:00pm was worsening the air quality.

The Motorway Police DIG assured full cooperation, recalling earlier assistance in pilot enforcement projects.

Justice Karim appreciated the police's support but emphasised that without effective vehicle inspection and emission control, conditions would not improve.

The court also questioned the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) about restaurants and BBQ setups inside public parks. The PHA counsel promised to submit details after inspection.

Justice Karim cautioned that turning parks into revenue hubs by cutting trees is unacceptable, adding that green spaces must be protected from commercial encroachment.

Additionally, the cantonment board was directed to submit a report on trees cut in front of a bakery. The court reiterated that combating smog requires concrete and coordinated steps, including traffic regulation, vehicle fitness checks, preservation of urban greenery, and better management of night-time heavy transport.

Environmental experts reiterated that prolonged exposure to such pollution can lead to severe respiratory and cardiac illnesses.

They urged citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement, wear protective masks, and limit early morning exercise in open air. Globally, Lahore ranked fourth among the most polluted cities, trailing Delhi, Tashkent, and Kolkata.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country.

Dry weather is expected over Punjab through Thursday, with shallow fog and smog likely to develop over the plain areas. No significant rainfall is forecast in the coming days, meaning little atmospheric relief is expected.