Lahore Faces Hazardous Air Quality with AQI of 1,067
Lahore, a major city in Pakistan, recorded an alarmingly high Air Quality Index (AQI) of 1,067, making it the most polluted city in the world on Saturday morning. This severe air pollution is causing health issues for residents, including breathing difficulties, coughing, and burning eyes.
An AQI between 151-200 is considered unhealthy, 201-300 is more harmful, and anything over 300 is extremely hazardous. Despite efforts by the provincial government to combat smog, Lahore’s air quality remains critically poor.
The onset of winter exacerbates air pollution due to changes in wind speed, direction, and temperature. The Punjab government declared a smog calamity, implementing measures like a green lockdown, compulsory leave for vulnerable children, and bans on pollution-causing activities. However, enforcement has been inconsistent.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) declared smog a calamity under the Punjab National Calamities Act of 1958, empowering the government to enforce stricter measures. Deputy commissioners have been appointed as relief commissioners to enforce restrictions, including banning sub-standard fuel and burning of crop residue, tyres, rubber, and plastics.
Doubts Revealed
Lahore -: Lahore is a big city in Pakistan, which is a country next to India. It’s known for its rich history and culture.
AQI -: AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number used to tell how clean or polluted the air is. A higher number means the air is more polluted.
1,067 -: 1,067 is a very high AQI number, which means the air is very polluted and not safe to breathe.
Green lockdown -: A green lockdown is when the government stops certain activities to reduce pollution, like stopping factories or cars that make a lot of smoke.
Provincial Disaster Management Authority -: This is a group in Pakistan that helps manage big problems like natural disasters. They help make sure people stay safe during emergencies like smog.
Smog -: Smog is a type of air pollution that looks like fog. It is made of smoke and other pollutants, and it can make it hard to breathe.
