Punjab’s capital, Lahore, has ranked second on global pollution charts, grappling with dense smog and an alarming air quality index (AQI) of 382 on Monday morning. This comes despite ongoing efforts by the provincial government to combat pollution.
On Sunday, the AQI soared to a staggering 1,194, far exceeding the “dangerous” threshold of 300, as reported by IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring organization. The concentration of PM2.5, the fine particulate matter most harmful to health, reached 266 micrograms per cubic meter—over 53 times the World Health Organization’s acceptable limit.
Emergency Measures Implemented
In response to the hazardous air quality, authorities have implemented emergency measures, including:
- Closure of Primary Schools: Schools will remain closed for a week.
- Work-from-Home Mandate: Government offices have encouraged employees to work remotely.
- Health Advisories: Citizens are advised to keep children indoors, wear masks, and avoid unnecessary travel.
- Traffic Restrictions: A ban on rickshaws and construction activities in certain areas has been enacted, with potential permanent closures for non-compliant factories.
The pollution crisis isn’t limited to Lahore; neighboring cities like Faisalabad are also experiencing rising smog levels.
Regional Cooperation Needed
As Lahore battles severe air pollution, discussions with India have emerged as a potential solution. New Delhi currently tops the pollution charts with an AQI of 393. Punjab’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that wind patterns carrying pollution from India significantly contribute to Lahore’s deteriorating air quality. She emphasized the need for diplomatic talks to address the issue, highlighting that “this cannot be solved without talks with India.”
Health Implications
The persistent smog has dire health consequences. The WHO links prolonged exposure to polluted air with increased risks of strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses. Citizens working outdoors report serious health effects, including breathing difficulties and eye irritation.
The provincial environmental protection agency has introduced new restrictions targeting pollution hotspots, such as banning polluting Tuk-tuks and mandating filtration systems in restaurants.
Impact on Children and Life Expectancy
Lahore residents face a reduced life expectancy of approximately 7.5 years due to air pollution, according to the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute. Children are particularly at risk, with UNICEF reporting that nearly 600 million children in South Asia are exposed to high pollution levels. The health risks for children are exacerbated by their developing lungs and higher air intake relative to body size.
In response to the crisis, authorities have banned outdoor exercise for schoolchildren until January and adjusted school hours to minimize exposure during peak pollution periods.
The situation in Lahore underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat air pollution and protect public health.
