Toxic smog grapples Lahore, AQI reaches to hazardous levels

LAHORE: The Punjab Environment Protection and Climate Change Department (EPCCD) has issued a smog alert, as a wave of toxic air continues to engulf central Punjab because of the toxic eastern winds blowing in from India, with pollution well-nigh reaching hazardous levels.

Officials from the EPCCD said the average AQI in Lahore will be between 320 and 360 over the next few days. The provincial capital is currently third on the list of most polluted cities in Pakistan, with its AQI reaching 450 — a level dangerous to human health.

The department said there is continuous monitoring, although air pollution remains critically high. A temporary improvement in the air quality of Lahore is expected between 1 pm and 5 pm.

Data from around the world air quality monitors gave a polluted particle reading of particulate matter-1,018 at the Secretariat, 997 on Sanda Road, and 820 on Ravi Road across Lahore, classifying the air as “extremely hazardous.”

Experts also recommended the wearing of masks, staying indoors whenever possible, and avoiding unnecessary outdoor movement during peak smog hours.

The AQI was recorded at 500, with severe smog, in several areas such as Barki Road, Shahdara, Multan Road, GT Road, and Egerton Road.

The other two of the most polluted cities in the province were also Dera Ghazi Khan and Kasur, both reporting 500 AQI.

The amount of particulate matter was 286 in Kasur, 601 in Raiwind, 442 in Gujranwala, 398 in Lahore, 337 in Faisalabad, and 358 in Sheikhupura, thus confirming that smog has hit hard in all major cities across Punjab.

EPCCD called upon people to cooperate in the smog control by avoiding waste burning, limiting the use of vehicles, and supporting the provincial measures to reduce pollution.