Lahore’s air quality improved slightly on Sunday, as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped below the “hazardous” category, though it remained “very unhealthy” with an AQI of 247.
The shift marked a brief respite after weeks of thick smog that had enveloped the city, disrupting daily life and leading to significant health concerns.
Lahore, the capital of Punjab province and home to around 14 million residents, ranked as the second most polluted city in the world, according to the Swiss-based IQAir, which monitors global air quality. India’s New Delhi topped the list with an AQI of 559.
The smog crisis, which worsens during the winter months, has been exacerbated by a combination of factors, including illegal stubble burning, emissions from low-grade diesel fuel, and trapped dust due to cold weather.
Authorities have also pointed to pollution from neighbouring India as a contributing factor to the worsening air quality in Lahore.
In response to the crisis, local authorities declared a health emergency in Lahore and Multan, with schools shifting to online classes and a ban imposed on construction activities in the worst-hit cities.
Senior officials, including Punjab’s Minister for Information, Marriyum Aurangzeb, announced a 10-day ban on construction and imposed restrictions on business operations, such as limiting restaurants to takeaway services after 4 pm.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, use fog lights, and adhere to speed limits to ensure safety during the foggy hours.
Earlier the smog in Lahore disturbed the flight and train operations, over 20 incoming and outgoing flights were delayed at Lahore Airport.
More than 11 flights scheduled to take off from Lahore were delayed, while one inter-city flight was delayed.In addition, over eleven flights scheduled to land at Lahore Airport were delayed due to thick smog.
Smog-induced health crisis deepens
Over 75,000 people suffering from respiratory problems sought medical help across Punjab on Saturday because of toxic smog and air pollution, according to sources in the healthcare monitoring authorities.
In addition, 3,359 patients of asthma, 286 of heart diseases, 60 of stroke and 627 of conjunctivitis visited hospitals.
The highest number of patients affected by air pollution were registered in Lahore, where 5,353 people suffering from respiratory diseases, 359 of asthma, 171 heart disease, 20 stroke and 303 conjunctivitis were taken to hospitals.
Lahore and a number of other cities in Punjab remained in the grip of the worst spell of smog, affecting the citizens’ health.
The sources said the major hospitals in Lahore and other populous cities faced an emergency situation with thousands of patients suffering from diseases caused by pollution seeking treatment.
A health emergency had bene declared by the Punjab government in Lahore and Multan divisions, where several restrictions had been imposed during the past fortnight to cope with smog.