Breathing conditions vary across city

LAHORE:

Air pollution in Lahore continues to vary sharply among neighbourhoods despite intensified enforcement against industrial emissions, brick kilns and smoke producing commercial activities.

Smog was witnessed in several parts of the city.

Hospitals also recorded an increase in the number of patients affected by pollution.

Shahdara recorded an AQI of 156, classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups, while Safari Park registered 145 and DHA Phase 6 recorded 131.

The variation was also reflected in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which measured 79 microgrammes per cubic metre at Shahdara, 66.1 at Safari Park and 56.4 at DHA Phase 6. In comparison, Barki Road recorded an AQI of 78, with PM2.5 at 26.1 microgrammes per cubic metre.

Lahore's AQI had reached a weekly peak of 218 at 3am a couple of days ago, according to an official dashboard.

During the last 24 hours, enforcement teams inspected 233 industrial units and 434 brick kilns across Punjab. Eleven industrial and kilns were demolished while 16 were sealed over environmental violations.