LAHORE: The worsening smog crisis in Lahore reached ‘hazardous’ levels on Sunday, with authorities reporting hazardous air quality and launching intensified efforts to curb pollution across the city.
Data from the Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) showed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 388 by 9 a.m., placing Lahore among the most polluted cities globally and sparking renewed health concerns for its residents. Officials said the dangerous air levels were caused by both domestic emissions and pollutants drifting in from neighboring India.
Punjab EPA Project Director Sajid Bashir explained that seasonal wind patterns known as the East Corridor allow contaminants from northeastern India to enter Lahore during the smog season. He said emissions from Diwali celebrations and stubble burning in the Indian state of Punjab had compounded the city’s already critical air quality.
To address local sources of smog, the provincial Environment Department has implemented a stringent enforcement strategy. Newly established Quick Response Forces equipped with modern vehicles have been deployed to monitor agricultural areas and immediately extinguish crop residue fires.
Bashir warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found engaging in illegal burning, including the registration of cases, arrests, and financial penalties.
Officials said the government’s enhanced anti-smog operations are aimed at protecting public health and mitigating the severe impact of air pollution that continues to blanket Lahore each winter.