LAHORE:
Light rain in Lahore on Monday morning reduced air pollution in several areas of the city.
Air quality monitors installed at 13 sites in the city recorded a lower proportion of air pollution compared to previous days.
Light rain in Lahore and adjoining areas improved the environment and brought relief to people who had faced health risks in recent weeks due to pollution amid a dry spell.
Lahore has been ranked as the city with the most polluted air in the world several times over the past two months. Although the smog situation had improved last month, the city had witnessed an increase in air pollution and light smog in several populated localities over the last few months. Lahore once again topped the list of the most polluted cities in the world a couple of days ago.
However, the light rain brought relief to the citizens.
The lowest air quality index in the city was recorded at 140 on Canal Road and the highest at 180 on Barki Road.
According to the monitoring wing of Punjab Environment Protection Department, the AQI after rain in Kahna was 172, Shahdara 179, Sagian Bridge and Mahmood Booti 169, Ferozpor Road 156, Egertan Road 158, Safari Park 162, PKLI 171, University of Punjab 165. and Town Hall 175.
An EPD spokesperson said the situation regarding air pollution had improved significantly thanks to measures taken by various departments.
The city recorded a cold day with clouds in some areas.
An environmental expert said the clouds had also provided the opportunity to induce artificial rain, which was an effective way to curb smog.
“Although the light rain was a good thing, we wasted the chance of artificial rain. The opportunity for artificial rain was present in the city from 5:00 am to 4:00 pm but we were able to benefit from it,” said environmentalist Dr. Munawar Sabir.
He said heavy rains are needed in the city to reduce the intensity of air pollution.
He said the type of clouds that had lingered over ten cities all day had created an ideal situation for artificial rain.
