Tens of thousands of individuals in Lahore, the cultural hub of Pakistan have been sickened due to the heavy ‘SMOG’, in the air approaching 450, considered hazardous.
This has led authorities in Lahore to implement a four-day closure of schools, markets, and parks, a decision announced on Thursday.
The move follows the persistent ranking of Lahore as the most polluted city globally. Medical professionals have strongly recommended the use of face masks and staying indoors, as many residents are experiencing symptoms such as coughing and respiratory issues.
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Dr. Salman Kazmi from Mayo Hospital in Lahore emphasized the importance of these precautions, stating that wearing masks and staying at home are simple yet effective measures to prevent the escalation of respiratory ailments, eye infections, and skin diseases. Mayo Hospital has witnessed a significant influx of patients seeking treatment for such health issues throughout the week.
On Thursday, the concentration of PM 2.5, a measure of tiny particulate matter in the air, reached a hazardous level of around 450. Experts attribute this alarming pollution to the burning of crop residue at the onset of the winter wheat-planting season.
Once renowned as the “city of gardens” during the Mughal era from the 16th to the 19th centuries, Lahore has undergone rapid urbanization and population growth, leaving minimal space for greenery in the urban landscape.
