Pollution Level in Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, where recent reports indicate that it’s reaching hazardous heights. Data from IQAir revealed that the city’s air quality is deteriorating at alarming rates, with pollution levels approximately 40 times above what the World Health Organization (WHO) considers safe.
These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and effective measures to address the smog crisis impacting Lahore’s residents and environment.
The Alarming Rise in PM2.5 Levels and Air Quality Index
The primary pollutant in Lahore’s air is PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, which poses significant health risks. On Saturday, the levels of PM2.5 pollutants soared to 610, far exceeding the WHO’s acceptable limit of 15 for a 24-hour period. PM2.5 particles are especially dangerous as they are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing a range of health issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The Air Quality Index (AQI), which provides an overview of multiple air pollutants, reached a staggering 1,067 in Lahore. Environmental protection officials noted that this level is unprecedented in the city’s history, indicating the severity of the pollution crisis. Jahangir Anwar, a senior environmental protection official, expressed concern over the city’s inability to control air quality, which has continued to worsen over recent years.
Read : Lahore AQI Reaches 690: Declared as Most Polluted City in the World
One of the main contributors to this hazardous air quality is the seasonal smog, a combination of pollutants that include smoke from agricultural burning, low-grade diesel fumes, and emissions from vehicles and industrial sources. The onset of winter exacerbates the situation, as colder air tends to trap pollutants at ground level, reducing air circulation and leading to prolonged exposure to high pollution levels.
Efforts to Control Pollution: Restrictions and New Regulations
In response to the severe air quality levels, Lahore’s environmental protection agency has implemented new restrictions in an attempt to reduce pollution. These regulations target areas identified as “hot spots” where pollution is particularly concentrated.
Tuk-tuks with two-stroke engines, which are known for their high emissions, have been banned as a measure to cut down on vehicular pollution. Restaurants operating without proper filters for barbecue smoke have also been ordered to cease operations, given that smoke from open flames contributes significantly to the city’s poor air quality.
Additionally, government offices and private businesses have been directed to operate with only half of their staff on-site, with the other half working from home. This work-from-home initiative is aimed at reducing the number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, emissions from transportation.
The city has also placed a halt on construction projects and set a curfew for street vendors, who often rely on open flames for cooking, requiring them to close by 8 pm. These steps represent an effort to reduce the sources of pollution that exacerbate smog levels, although the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.
The provincial government’s swift response to the crisis reflects a growing awareness of the health risks associated with Lahore’s air quality. However, these restrictions may pose challenges for residents and local businesses, particularly for those whose livelihoods depend on outdoor activities.
For instance, street vendors and construction workers face financial strain due to the restricted hours and halted projects. These social and economic impacts emphasize the complexity of balancing public health concerns with economic livelihoods, a common dilemma faced by cities grappling with high pollution levels.
Health Risks and the Urgent Need for Long-Term Solutions
The health consequences of Lahore’s air pollution crisis are severe and wide-reaching. Exposure to high levels of PM2.5 and other pollutants can lead to respiratory diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, and even lung cancer. The cardiovascular system is also at risk, as inhaling these fine particles can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable to these effects. The WHO has highlighted air pollution as a leading risk factor for premature deaths, and Lahore’s current levels put millions at risk of serious health outcomes.
While the immediate response includes temporary measures, experts argue that lasting change will require structural and policy-level interventions. Key to this approach is improving fuel quality, as the use of low-grade fuels in vehicles and factories contributes significantly to pollution.
Additionally, modernizing public transportation and investing in electric or hybrid vehicles can help reduce reliance on two-stroke engines, which are particularly polluting. Enhanced air quality monitoring, stricter emissions standards, and investments in renewable energy sources can provide more sustainable options to address Lahore’s air quality challenges.
The seasonal agricultural burning that contributes to smog can also be tackled through education and incentives for farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices. Collaboration between provincial governments, agricultural bodies, and environmental organizations is crucial to reduce open burning practices that contribute to the seasonal spikes in pollution levels.
Furthermore, expanding green spaces within the city could help absorb some of the pollution, although this would require careful planning given the city’s limited space and rapid urban development.
Lahore’s escalating pollution levels represent a complex crisis requiring immediate and sustained efforts. The newly implemented restrictions aim to reduce pollution in the short term, but comprehensive policies that address underlying causes are essential for meaningful progress.
Addressing air pollution will demand a balance of economic, social, and environmental considerations to protect both the health of Lahore’s citizens and the city’s future sustainability.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏