A change in the weather has resulted in pollution that has already reached alarming levels in Lahore.

Lahore was classified as the most polluted city in the world on Wednesday, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded the alarming threshold of 500. 515 AM was the time of the recording.

In the past, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued alerts regarding critical pollution levels, particularly in Lahore.

One of the most severe recorded AQIs in the world is 800, which was documented in multiple regions of the city.

In Gulberg, the highest recorded AQI was 822. It was recorded at 778, 790, and 680 in the Model Town, DHA, and American Consulate areas of Lahore, respectively.

The city’s temperature ranged from 22 to 33 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Following the city’s decrease in temperature, the PMD anticipates an additional increase in pollution levels in the upcoming weeks.

In addition, the Department of Primary and Secondary Health Care (PSHD) has issued a health advisory concerning the potential hazards of the “fifth season.”

As per the PSHD advisory, smog is a mixture of particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

It has the potential to induce asthma, acute respiratory infections (ARIs), stroke, allergic conjunctivitis, and, in severe cases, ischemic heart disease (IHD).

A PSHD public awareness message was issued, urging patients with respiratory and cardiac disorders to adhere to their medication regimens.

It requested that citizens refrain from engaging in physical activity, maintain good indoor air quality, opt for eco-friendly activities, and wear facial masks during outdoor excursions. Additionally, it has strongly advised producers to avoid burning the crop residue.

The directorate general of Public Health Services Punjab also issued guidelines for the prevention and control of pollution.

In accordance with the guidelines, the chief executive officers of District Health Authorities in Punjab are required to implement measures to prevent and manage the pollution crisis.

They are advised by the directorate to establish “smog counters,” isolation chambers, and high dependency units (HDUs) in their respective health institutions.

To enhance public awareness, it is recommended that the authorities position banners and streamers concerning smog in prominent locations.

Governing Efforts

All forms of solid waste, tyres, rubber, and plastics have been prohibited from being burned by the Punjab government.

Hundreds of vehicles have already been impounded for emitting smoke, and the vehicles that cause haze are also prohibited.

The authorities have demolished over 300 furnaces in order to prevent the dissemination of poisonous smoke.

The objective is to prevent encroachments and parking that could impede the efficient movement of traffic on public roads, including footpaths.

The safe and covered transportation, storage, and disposal of construction materials (such as sand and cement) are mandatory.

In addition, the provincial government has directed the preservation of the chronological data of all patients who are affected by pollution in the designated format.