Faisalabad AQI 220: EPA Faces Scrutiny Over Inaction
The Faisalabad AQI reached 220 on Saturday, placing the city in the very unhealthy category, as the deputy commissioner sought an explanation from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) over its failure to act against polluting industries. The Faisalabad AQI 220 reading came with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at 145 micrograms per cubic metre, and monitoring stations near Government College University and Gulistan Colony recorded levels above 300.
The deputy commissioner has directed the EPA deputy director to submit a written explanation with supporting evidence within three days. The officer must explain why administrative action should not be recommended against him.
What the deputy commissioner’s letter says
In a letter addressed to the EPA deputy director, the deputy commissioner cited persistent delays in submitting reports, lack of coordination and failure to take action against sources of air pollution.
According to sources, the letter states that a review meeting held on October 22 highlighted serious concerns over the EPA office’s performance. Despite repeated instructions, reminders and verbal counselling through the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Enforcement), the deputy director had allegedly failed to submit required reports on time.
The letter further states that the counselling had not improved the department’s performance or compliance. Despite repeated information about brick kilns and industrial units emitting black smoke, the EPA had failed to take satisfactory enforcement action or submit timely reports on the measures taken.
The deputy commissioner observed that this failure was affecting administrative monitoring, accountability and the timely resolution of environmental complaints.
Cameras, staff and slow progress
The letter also flags slow progress in installing cameras at industrial boilers and chimneys across Faisalabad district, despite the availability of two assistant directors, 18 inspectors and other supporting staff.
The deputy director has been asked to explain the failure to submit reports on time, take enforcement action against identified brick kilns and industrial units, and ensure cameras are installed at industrial boilers and chimneys.
Cameras on boilers and chimneys let regulators see emissions as they happen, rather than relying on periodic visits that polluting units can prepare for.
Faisalabad AQI 220: how bad the air is
Faisalabad continued to face hazardous air pollution as colder weather set in. The city’s Air Quality Index was reported at 220 on Saturday, placing it in the very unhealthy category on the US AQI scale, where readings above 200 indicate very unhealthy air.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was the primary pollutant, at 145 micrograms per cubic metre. PM2.5 particles are small enough to enter the lungs and bloodstream, which is why health authorities treat them as the most dangerous component of smog.
Localised monitoring stations near Government College University and Gulistan Colony reportedly recorded AQI levels exceeding 300, in the hazardous range, suggesting the city-wide figure of 220 understates exposure in the worst-affected neighbourhoods.
The EPA issued a health advisory urging children, older people and those with heart or lung conditions to avoid outdoor physical activity. The public was advised to limit strenuous outdoor exertion, wear N95 or equivalent masks and keep windows closed.
A wider Punjab problem
Faisalabad is not an isolated case. The province’s monitoring dashboard showed Faisalabad at 290 on October 29, when Lahore stood at 324 and Kasur topped the list at 348.
The EPA has been active elsewhere in the province. In a month-long pre-smog enforcement operation from September 28 to October 27, it demolished 197 non-compliant brick kilns, sealed 163 units and registered 162 first information reports. Its teams conducted 11,580 inspections of brick kilns, issued 314 smog notices and imposed fines totalling Rs40.7 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Faisalabad’s AQI today?
Faisalabad’s Air Quality Index was reported at 220 on Saturday, placing it in the very unhealthy category, with PM2.5 at 145 micrograms per cubic metre as the primary pollutant.
Why is the EPA deputy director facing action?
The deputy commissioner sought an explanation within three days over delayed reports, lack of coordination and failure to take enforcement action against brick kilns and industrial units emitting black smoke.
Which Faisalabad areas recorded worse readings?
Monitoring stations near Government College University and Gulistan Colony reportedly recorded AQI levels exceeding 300, in the hazardous range.
What does the EPA health advisory say?
The EPA urged children, older people and those with heart or lung conditions to avoid outdoor physical activity, and advised the public to limit strenuous outdoor exertion, wear N95 or equivalent masks and keep windows closed.
