Lahore, October 29, 2024 – In response to Lahore’s worsening air quality, which has reached hazardous levels, authorities have implemented strict anti-smog measures, including making face masks mandatory for all residents. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to a high of 520, with an average reading of 198 recorded on Tuesday, marking a severe decline in air quality.
In a bid to curb pollution, the Chief Minister of Punjab has directed all departments to enforce environmental laws rigorously. As part of this initiative, authorities have taken decisive actions: grounding nearly 2,500 vehicles with faulty engines, sealing 469 factories, and shutting down several brick kilns emitting excessive smoke.
In addition, 318 FIRs have been filed against individuals found burning crop residues, with several arrests made. Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has urged citizens to support efforts against pollution and noted that wind patterns from across the border in India contribute significantly to Lahore’s air quality issues. She announced that vehicles emitting black smoke and chimneys will be banned, while those caught burning straw will face legal action. An emergency traffic plan is also being introduced to alleviate smog.
Raja Jahangir Anwar, Secretary of the Environment Protection Department, reported that polluted air from the east is affecting Lahore, with wind speeds currently around one kilometer per hour. He acknowledged that residents’ cooperation over the past ten days has reduced waste burning and vehicular emissions, contributing to a modest improvement in air quality.
