Lahore, the capital of Punjab, has once again been named the world’s most polluted city, today on Monday, according to the latest data from Air Index Quality (IQAir).
The latest report from IQAir reveals that Lahore has surpassed the 400 US AQI mark and the air quality reached a hazardous level
The AQI measures the concentration of various pollutants in the air, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), coarse particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3). An AQI above 125 is considered “unhealthy,” while an AQI above 150 is classified as “very unhealthy.”
In this alarming situation, the city faces a significant smog problem that is impacting the health and well-being of its residents. The high levels of pollution have raised serious concerns among citizens and health officials alike.
Lahore has been grappling with air pollution and smog since early 2017 when actionable air quality data was first published in Pakistan. Each year, Lahore ranks as one of the most polluted cities in the world.
The Punjab government has also initiated measures to address this issue and is planning to implement artificial rain to mitigate the impact of smog, according to sources. We have taken a number of initiatives to address the matter and now we are planning for an artificial rain in the city,” Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari told a press conference on Tuesday.
The Punjab government of Maryam Nawaz has also launched the ‘Anti-Smog Squad’ which will visit smog-affected areas.
Public holidays due to smog have also been suggested for schools, colleges, and offices to minimize people’s exposure to hazardous air quality.
Smog and Lahore
Smog, also known as smoke fog, is a type of air pollution that consists of nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, ozone, smoke, and other particulates.
The smog in Lahore is primarily caused by a combination of vehicle and industrial emissions, smoke from brick kilns, the burning of crop residue, general waste, and dust from construction sites. Additionally, the lack of greenery in the city contributes significantly to the worsening air quality in Lahore.
How can Air pollution be reduced?
Air pollution has become a major issue today, as people are inhaling polluted air that is dangerous to their health. The primary source of this pollution is exhaust from vehicles. The public should make an effort to use public transport as much as possible. Additionally, people should avoid burning garbage and focus on planting trees whenever they can.
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