Lahore is facing a severe air pollution crisis, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching hazardous levels. Recent reports indicate that Lahore’s AQI has soared to 529, making it the second most polluted city in the world. The primary pollutant, PM2.5, exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) limits by 35.6 times.
Various locations in Lahore have reported alarming AQI numbers. For instance, the Polo Ground in Cantonment registered an AQI of 896, while Honda Gateway recorded 814. Other areas, such as Pine Avenue and Shimla Pahari, also showed extremely high levels of pollution. Residents describe the air as “a thick blanket of smoke,” and health professionals warn of severe long-term impacts on public health.
The poor air quality has caused widespread concern among residents and health experts. Many people are experiencing respiratory issues and other health problems due to the polluted air. Medical experts advise citizens to take precautions, such as wearing masks while outdoors, to minimize exposure to harmful air pollutants.
In response to the crisis, the Punjab government has introduced several measures to combat air pollution. These include setting up water sprinklers at construction sites, enforcing green cover usage, and installing emission control systems in most industries. Senior officials stress the importance of adhering to environmental laws to create a cleaner environment.
Experts, however, argue that these measures are not enough. They recommend more comprehensive, evidence-based actions to tackle the persistent pollution sources. For example, shutting down brick kilns and restricting heavy vehicles on high-pollution days are suggested as interim measures. The Pakistan Air Quality Experts Group has also criticized Lahore’s first smog control tower, deeming it ineffective in combating the city’s worsening air pollution.
