Despite tall claims made by the government that it is taking steps to rid Lahore of smog, the air quality in the city continues to deteriorate with each passing day as with the air quality index (AQI) recorded at 588, the city again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities on Tuesday. The AQI at Phase-8, DHA rose to 818, while it was recorded at 711 at Askari-10. Similarly, it stood at 671 at Syed Maratab Ali Road and 617 at the US consulate. Punjab Environment Department issued a “high alert” warning that next 24 hours could be critical for the citizens of Lahore. Environmentalists, on the other hand, expressed the fear that the current wave of smog would continue and would become more intense in the coming days as winds will blow from east to west (from India to Pakistan) in the next 24 hours at the speed fluctuating between four kilometers and eight kilometers. 

Meanwhile, doctors advised people to limit their outdoor activities, and if it was really necessary to go outside wear facemasks before stepping out of their homes.  To make matters further worse for Lahorites, the Met Office forecast dry weather for the city and most of other parts of the country during the next 24 hours.  Multan emerged as the second most polluted city in the country as the AQI touched 569 mark there. Multan was followed by Peshawar where the AQI stood at 222.  Similarly, farmers on both sides of India-Pakistan border have been urged to avoid burning crop's residue so that pollution level could be controlled.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan