Lahoris endure persistent breathing hazard

Senior minister concedes onset of smog season

LAHORE:

Although the Punjab government has claimed that an improvement in air quality left no need to close schools, official data shows the pollution level in Lahore remained persistently alarming during the first 18 days of December.

The city recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) above 300 on 14 days during the period. The level is classified as hazardous to health. During the ongoing month, the AQI reached 420 on two days, while on two other days it remained close to 300.

In a statement issued on Friday, Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said that the academic calendar had been adjusted in view of smog and changing weather patterns to ensure that children's education is not disrupted. She stated that Punjab is now entering the smog season, which in the past used to begin in October and November.

She added that results of smog control policies are beginning to emerge.

However, she cautioned that low temperatures, reduced wind speed, fog and increased humidity could lead to temporary deterioration of the air quality, and advised citizens to adopt precautionary measures.

The senior minister said strict enforcement against industrial emissions, traffic pollution and environmental laws is continuing.

According to AQI Punjab data, on Friday afternoon the index was recorded at 422 in Gujranwala, 331 in Gujrat, 323 in Narowal, 290 in Lahore and 255 in Sialkot.

Significant variations in pollution levels were observed among various areas of Lahore, where the AQI reached as high as 500 in DHA Phase 6 during the afternoon.

Meanwhile, a report by the Urban Unit stated that Lahore's average AQI stood at 336 over the past week and 317 over the month.

In Faisalabad, the weekly average AQI was recorded at 337, while the monthly average stood at 301. Rahim Yar Khan recorded a weekly AQI of 339 and a monthly average of 273, while Kasur reported a weekly average AQI of 398 and monthly 357.