Pakistan(National Times)- Punjab continues to grapple with a severe smog crisis as its capital, Lahore, remained engulfed in toxic air on Saturday, maintaining its position atop the list of the big cities across the globe with worst air quality. The smog crisis hits the most populous province of the country every winter, but air pollution has worsened in the recent years, as a result of cold air trapping dust, low-grade diesel fumes and smoke from illegal stubble burning on fields. Today, the air quality index (AQI) was recorded a “hazardous” 766 in Lahore — where the air quality has deteriorated over the past month. As per the Swiss group’s live air quality monitor, the (PM2.5) pollutants — the fine particulate matter in the megapolis that causes the most damage to health — was 87.4 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) annual air quality guideline value around 9am. Meanwhile, Multan remained the most polluted city in the country, in terms of air quality, despite a decline in the AQI compared to the extremely high smog levels recorded during the past week. The AQI in the southern Punjab city was 396 around 9am, which is well within the hazardous range. Karachi, on the other hand, had the sixth worst air quality in the world, with an AQI of 188, which is deemed “unhealthy” by the Swiss group, IQ Air.
Traffic disruptions
The hazardous smog has severely impacted daily life, with poor visibility, disrupted traffic flow, and health concerns plaguing residents. Dense fog has significantly reduced visibility, causing major arteries to close for traffic. M4 Motorway was blocked from Multan to Toba Tek Singh, while M5 Motorway was blocked from Multan to Sukkur. The district administration has said all markets across the city will remain closed for two days this weekend — Saturday and Sunday. Moreover, leaves of medical staff have been cancelled after health emergency was imposed in Lahore and Multan. Major traffic disruptions were also reported from Kamalia, Orgarra, Gujrat, Kot Addu and surrounding areas, as drivers faced hazardous conditions due to extremely low visibility. In an unfortunate incident, a man died after being hit by a trailer near Rojhan Miani Phatak area in Rajanpur, police said, blaming the accident on smog and low visibility. With no immediate relief in sight, residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Lahore — a city of 14 million people stuffed with factories on the border with India — regularly ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, but the Punjab capital and Multan hit record levels this month, prompting authorities to take extraordinary measures to fight off smog. On Friday, Punjab government declared a health emergency in the two cities to limit the impact of toxins present in the air on citizens’ health. The authorities have also banned construction, extended schools’ closure for another week and shifting all educational institutions to online classes. Meanwhile, entry to parks, zoos, playgrounds and other public spaces also remained restricted. As the smog continues to smother the country, authorities are urging citizens to wear masks and limit outdoor activities. Other parts of South Asia are also dealing with high levels of pollution and Punjab blames neighbouring India for contributing to its hazardous air quality. New Delhi, the world’s second most polluted capital, has banned non-essential construction, moved children to virtual classrooms and asked residents to avoid using coal and wood from Friday.
