Punjab Smog: AQI Crosses 419 in Lahore Areas
With the onset of the smog season, the Punjab smog AQI has reached alarming proportions in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and five major cities of Punjab. The drone-based system for monitoring smoke emissions has also proved unsuccessful, according to a report in The Express Tribune.
According to a survey by the Environment Protection and Climate Change Department, Lahore’s overall Air Quality Index has crossed 253, while the index in several areas of the city has exceeded 419. Lahore, the provincial capital, has been included among the world’s most polluted cities. The provincial government has decided to keep brick kilns across Punjab completely closed from 15 November to 15 December.
AQI figures across Punjab
The survey gives a stark picture beyond Lahore. Nankana Sahib has recorded an extremely dangerous AQI of 371, Faisalabad 290, Rawalpindi 185 and Islamabad between 170 and 172. The AQI in Murree, the province’s largest tourist destination, has crossed the dangerous threshold at 129, while Gujranwala has recorded 255 and Multan 296. The index stands at 116 in Attock, 104 in Chakwal, 156 in Jhelum and has reached 289 in Narowal.
Those figures cover the full range of the province, from hill station to industrial city, and they show that smog is not a Lahore-only problem. Cities as far apart as Murree and Multan are all recording levels that doctors link with breathing difficulty, eye irritation and problems affecting the nose, ears and throat. Doctors have advised citizens to wear protective masks to guard against smog, and recommended consuming herbal drinks, soups, broth and tea during the season.
What is driving the pollution
The burning of rice crop residues in Nankana Sahib and Gujranwala has also contributed to rising pollution levels. According to the department, the smog season lasts from October to December. Air pollution is increasing due to smoke-emitting vehicles, heavy black smoke from railway engines, factories and industrial units, the burning of scrap and garbage, and particularly emissions from brick kilns and stone-crushing plants.
Burning old and unserviceable vehicle tyres and plastic to extract black oil is also contributing to the problem. Operations against smoke-emitting vehicles, scrap, garbage, tyres and the burning of crop residues have failed to produce the desired results. Despite challans and fines, the problem cannot be controlled unless these materials are disposed of through scientific methods, officials said.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir has ordered action, registration of first information reports and heavy fines against smoke-emitting vehicles, factories, industrial units, brick kilns, stone-crushing plants and those involved in burning tyres and garbage across the district. The Regional Transport Authority secretary said 49 smoke-emitting vehicles had been impounded and fines amounting to Rs600,000 imposed. A spokesperson for the Environment Protection and Climate Change Department said 21 brick kilns and five stone-crushing plants emitting smoke had been sealed.
Meanwhile, officials of the relevant departments have started praying for heavy rainfall to control smog. The Agriculture Department will arrange Salat-i-Istisqa, the prayer for rain, next Friday. That detail, more than any enforcement figure, shows how far the current measures fall short: after fines, seizures and a planned month-long kiln closure, officials are still hoping for rain to do what enforcement has not.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lahore’s current AQI?
Lahore’s overall AQI has crossed 253, while several areas of the city have exceeded 419, according to the Environment Protection and Climate Change Department survey.
Which other cities are badly affected?
Nankana Sahib at 371, Multan at 296, Faisalabad at 290, Narowal at 289, Gujranwala at 255, Rawalpindi at 185 and Islamabad between 170 and 172.
When will brick kilns close in Punjab?
Brick kilns across Punjab will remain completely closed from 15 November to 15 December, by decision of the provincial government.
What enforcement has taken place in Rawalpindi?
49 smoke-emitting vehicles have been impounded with fines of Rs600,000, and 21 brick kilns and five stone-crushing plants emitting smoke have been sealed.
How long does the smog season last?
From October to December, according to the Environment Protection and Climate Change Department.
