Wind in Punjab blows from east to west, bringing polluted air from Indian regions to Pakistan
Air pollution and smog levels in Punjab continue to worsen, with Faisalabad overtaking Lahore as the most polluted city, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 554. It was followed by Gujranwala and Multan, while Lahore’s AQI reached 471 this morning.
According to global air quality monitoring organisation, IQAir reports that Gujranwala recorded AQI of 546, Multan 478, Lahore 471 and Bahawalpur 389. Government figures show AQI levels of 500 in DG Khan, Gujranwala and Kasur; 447 in Lahore; 408 in Faisalabad; and 352 in Multan.
Air quality in several parts of Lahore has reached extremely dangerous levels, with readings of 980 at the Forest Department Office on Ravi Road, 790 at G3 Engineering Council and 759 at DHA Phase 8. Meanwhile, the Punjab Air Quality Index recorded 500 at Burki Road and Egerton Road, 394 at Wagah Border and 384 at Safari Park.
According to the Smog Monitoring and Forecasting System, the wind in Punjab blows from east to west, bringing polluted air from Indian regions such as Haryana, Ludhiana, Patiala and Jalandhar to Pakistan. These winds are affecting the air quality in Lahore, Faisalabad, Kasur and Gujranwala.
Read: Lahore tops global pollution index; The ICA reaches 985 in some areas
Experts warn that the build-up of fine particles is worsening pollution levels, with the AQI expected to remain between 330 and 370 at present. The Environment Department says the air quality in Lahore will remain unhealthy, especially early morning, afternoon and evening, with a slight improvement between 1 pm and 5 pm. The public, especially children, the elderly and patients, are advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure.
Punjab Chief Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that following the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, anti-smog measures have been accelerated. Twelve provincial departments are implementing a joint action plan, imposing zero tolerance for the burning of crop residues. More than 10,000 notices have been issued, while more than 190 factories and brick kilns have been inspected, many of them sealed, and heavy fines imposed.
Read more: Lahore tops global pollution rankings as AQI reaches ‘hazardous’ level 403
He added that only brick kilns with zigzag technology, which are environmentally friendly, are allowed to operate. More than 1,200 monitoring teams are carrying out on-site inspections and fines, while dust control SOPs at construction sites are strictly enforced. He said the Punjab government is committed to protecting public health, eliminating the causes of smog and restoring clean air in the province.
