Lahore has once again found itself among the world’s most polluted cities as smog levels surged following Diwali celebrations in India. The city recorded an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 266, placing it second only to New Delhi, which hit 535 — a level considered “hazardous.”
According to data from Swiss monitoring group IQAir, Lahore’s PM2.5 concentration reached 187 µg/m³ — 37 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit. Experts warn that this level of pollution poses serious health risks, especially for children and the elderly.
The toxic air in Punjab’s capital has prompted authorities to launch emergency countermeasures. The government has introduced strict monitoring and deployed anti-smog guns to key hotspots. A specialized Smog Monitoring and Control Centre is now operating around the clock to gather real-time air quality data.
Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed that nine departments are conducting large-scale operations to combat rising pollution. She added that brick kilns are being monitored through drones, and construction sites have been ordered to cover all open materials to reduce dust.
Traffic police have also banned heavy vehicles from entering the city to limit vehicular emissions, while agencies like WASA and the Lahore Development Authority have begun continuous water sprinkling across major roads.
Officials expect the AQI to remain high over the coming days as smog drifts in from northern India due to crop burning and Diwali fireworks. However, the Punjab government remains optimistic that modern technology, real-time data, and strict enforcement will help curb pollution levels in the coming weeks.
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