Lahore’s Air Quality Crisis: Pollution Hits Record Levels, 80 Times Over WHO Limit

Lahore’s Air Quality Crisis: Pollution Hits Record Levels, 80 Times Over WHO Limit

Introduction to Lahore’s Pollution Crisis

Lahore’s air pollution has reached an alarming peak, with pollution levels recorded on Saturday more than 80 times higher than the safe threshold set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Consequently, according to Jahangir Anwar, a senior official from the Environmental Protection Agency, this is an unprecedented high, as the air quality index spiked to a record-breaking 1,067 before easing down to around 300 by morning — still far beyond WHO’s recommended upper limit of 10.

Current Pollution Levels

For days, the city has been cloaked in a dense layer of smog, a toxic blend of fog and pollution from vehicle emissions, low-quality diesel fumes, seasonal crop burning, and winter air stagnation. As a result, this deadly PM2.5 particulate matter is suffocating the city and poses significant dangers to residents.

Government Response and Restrictions

In response to the crisis, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency has introduced new restrictions in four highly polluted areas, or hot spots, across Lahore. Additionally, on Thursday, the agency ordered Schools of Special Education to send students with health vulnerabilities on a compulsory three-month leave, recognizing the heightened health risks.

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Legislative Actions and Public Response

On the legislative front, the Punjab Assembly has debated for the third day on smog and water scarcity issues, with both government and opposition members advocating stricter controls on industrial and vehicular emissions, along with stricter enforcement of environmental regulations.

Urgent Measures to Combat Pollution

To combat pollution, authorities have implemented several urgent measures: vehicles with high-polluting two-stroke engines, including tuk-tuks, are now banned, and restaurants cannot be barbecue without filters. Starting Monday, government and private offices will adopt a work-from-home policy for half their staff, construction activities have  paused, and food vendors cooking over open flames must close by 8 p.m.

Looking Ahead: Future Measures

The winter season has exacerbated the smog, as cold, dense air traps harmful pollutants from low-quality fuels, vehicles, and factories near the ground. As a result, with no immediate solution in sight, residents brace for continued high pollution levels in the days ahead.