Lahore's air quality among world's worst, 'green lockdown' enforced

LAHORE : Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has announced "Green Lockdown" in Lahore’s most polluted zones to combat rising smog levels in the wake of deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI).

The development came in light of the bad air pollution in the Punjab's capital due to dense smog ahead of the cold weather. On Monday, the city had an air quality index (AQI) of 532. 

Notably, Lahore battles pollution each year in winter as temperatures fall and cold air traps construction dust, vehicle emissions, and smoke. 

Talking to media in Lahore, Aurangzeb emphasised the need for collaborative efforts between India and Pakistan, proposing a joint action to address the smog issue.

She said that a formal letter will be sent to Indian Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for cooperation.

According to the latest World Air Quality Index (AQI) ranking, Lahore stands as second most polluted cities only after India's Delhi on the list. The air quality in the Punjab's capital has been labelled "very unhealthy".

Baghdad, Cairo and Kinhasa follow Lahore and Delhi as the top five most polluted cities in the world when it comes to air quality.

It is also important to note that Karachi lies on the eighth position on the AQI list.

As Lahore's AQI crossed 300 at various spots across the city, Director General, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh issued a notification in this regard.

In his order, DG EPA said: "After thorough analysis of the current wave of deterioration of air quality in Lahore, the following areas have been identified as air pollution hotspots: Surrounding areas of Davis Road, Edgerton Road, Durand Road, and Kashmir Road."

“Surrounding areas of Abbott Road from Shimla Hill to Gulistan Cinema, surrounding areas of Empress Road from Shimla Hill to Railway Headquarters. Surrounding areas of Queen Marry Road, starting from Durand Road to Allama lqbal Road,” the DG's order stated.

The director general also said that many restrictions were imposed in the areas identified as air pollution hotspots, which included a complete ban on construction activities, entrance of "Qingqi motorcycle-rickshaws", operation of commercial generators, open food cooking points/Barbq and food outlets using charcoal, coal or wood without installation of proper emission control system.

Moreover, a complete ban on operation of marquees and marriage halls was also imposed along with restrictions on day sweeping.

Additionally, the DG in his order said that the government as well as private offices, operating in the above mentioned areas, shall make necessary arrangements to switch over to work from home policy (50pc on rotation/need basis).

The order also said that the car parking in the above mentioned areas shall be restricted as per guidelines issued from Chief Traffic Officer, Lahore while all the heavy transport vehicles (HTV) entering the above mentioned areas shall be checked by a special team and no vehicle emitting black smoke above PEQS be allowed to enter. 

The DG directed 100pc removal of encroachments in the area to ensure smooth traffic flow. The order warned that any contravention to this order shall be punished u/s 188 PPC and any other relevant legal framework.

The order also stated that the government was striving hard to control all possible intrinsic factors which caused air pollution and deteriorated quality of ambient air.

Furthermore, Dr Tariq Chishti, a general practitioner, while talking about health effects of smog said the number of patients with soar throat, redness and sensitivity in eyes, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and different types of chest infections have increased. 

He advised the citizens to use good quality facemasks and glasses while going out. He said the present AQI may cause serious health hazards to elderly people and minor children so they should remain indoor.