Lahore has once again claimed the dubious distinction of being the world’s most polluted city, as air quality levels continue to deteriorate. On a recent afternoon, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) peaked at a hazardous 665, with several areas showing alarming AQI readings. Among the worst affected neighborhoods were Syed Maratib Ali Road at 1165, Valencia Town at 908, and CERB Office at 906, with other areas such as Adda Plot, Johar Town, and MM Alam Road reporting similarly dangerous levels.
The weather in Lahore was also marked by a low maximum temperature of 17°C, expected to rise to 18°C, with a minimum of 9°C. The humidity in the city stood at 71%, and light winds blew at a speed of 3 km per hour. The Department of Environmental Protection has forecasted rain starting January 6, which is expected to affect different cities across Punjab.
In response to the ongoing air quality crisis, the Department of Environmental Protection has been working tirelessly over the past 10 months to combat smog and pollution. Their efforts include conducting inspections at over 11,000 brick kilns across Punjab, leading to the issuance of more than 11,000 notices, the demolition of 1,191 illegal kilns, and the sealing of 1,335 others. Additionally, the department has sealed 484 factories for violating environmental laws, filed 174 cases, and imposed fines totaling Rs46 million.
The authorities have also been targeting fugitive dust by inspecting 4,588 sites, issuing 688 notices, and sealing 46 sites. Furthermore, the crackdown on vehicle emissions has led to fines of Rs14 million for 77,166 vehicles caught emitting excessive smoke. Waste burning violations have resulted in fines amounting to Rs23 million.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling air pollution and smog, stressing that environmental protection remains a top priority and promising continued, strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
