Twin Cities Brace for Smog as Air Quality Turns Hazardous Across Punjab
Twin cities smog has gripped Rawalpindi and Islamabad as the smog season begins across Punjab, pushing air quality in both cities to hazardous levels. Officials in Rawalpindi Division have started monitoring smoke and smog emissions through drones and CCTV cameras.
The season runs from October 15 to January 15. Earlier claims that smog would be brought under control before the season began have failed to materialise, according to a report in The Express Tribune.
Lahore recorded an air quality index of 251, described as extremely hazardous. Gujranwala stood at 213, Rawalpindi at 176, Faisalabad at 155, Islamabad at 131 and Multan at 126. Readings in the Potohar region included Attock at 178, Jhelum at 122, Talagang at 120, Chakwal at 103 and Murree at 105.
Twin cities smog triggers crackdown on polluters
The Environmental Protection Department, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and the traffic police said action against polluters had been stepped up since October 1. Authorities shut down 20 stone-crushing machines, demolished 14 brick kilns and sealed 119 others.
Officials issued notices to 1,403 farmers for burning crop residue and challaned 11,953 vehicles, collecting fines of about Rs35.86 million. The RTA inspected 811 vehicles, issued 201 challans and collected Rs502,500 in fines.
Despite the enforcement drive, efforts to improve air quality have so far fallen short. Officials of the departments concerned have reportedly started praying for heavy rainfall to wash the pollution away.
What the numbers show
The current spell follows a steady build-up through October. Lahore’s air quality index had already touched 210 earlier this month, and readings have kept climbing since. Rawalpindi has also been impounding smoke-emitting vehicles as part of the anti-smog drive, while the province continues to enforce its ban on waste burning.
Smog forms when smoke, dust and gases from factories, vehicles and crop burning mix with winter fog and moisture. During winter, temperature inversion traps this toxic layer close to the ground and stops it from dispersing. With the Meteorological Department forecasting dry weather across the country, conditions are likely to keep pollution locked in place — a rain spell would offer the only quick relief.
Health experts advise children, older people and those with breathing or heart conditions to limit outdoor activity when readings stay high, and to wear masks when stepping out.
*Source: The Express Tribune’s report on the smog emergency.*
FAQs
When does the smog season end in Punjab?
The smog season in Punjab runs from October 15 to January 15, the period when cold weather and still air trap pollutants close to the ground.
Which Punjab cities have the worst air quality right now?
Lahore is the worst hit with an AQI of 251, followed by Gujranwala at 213, Rawalpindi at 176 and Faisalabad at 155. Islamabad stands at 131.
What is being done to control smog in the twin cities?
Authorities are monitoring emissions with drones and CCTV cameras, sealing brick kilns, shutting stone crushers, fining smoke-emitting vehicles and acting against farmers burning crop residue.
