The fifth season of smog has set in Lahore, with the city reclaiming the top spot in the list of the world’s most polluted cities, with an astounding 430 on the average air quality index for the city. The weather is the only source that can rescue the citizens from smog. The forecasts of rain from today are the only source of relief for the people. According to iqair.com, the worst air quality was recorded in the early morning hours when the AQI US was 438. Also, the tracker installed by the US Consulate in Lahore gives telling figures declaring the city’s air quality hazardous. The Lahore air quality index was at a dangerous 303 when this report was submitted. Only when the AQI in the United States gets up to 50 is the air safe to breathe. Its intensity is growing with each passing day, making breathing and throat clearing difficult. Hospitals are full of patients with eye and heart conditions. The pollution rate in the city’s developed sections is extremely high, so the environmental agency needs to act right away. The pollution index in posh locations like Johar Town and Gulberg is 455 and 466, respectively, while it reaches up to 528 in Kot Lakhpat.
The burning of crop leftovers, general waste, industrial emissions, brick kiln smoke, and construction site dust are some of the sources of air pollution in Lahore. Large-scale tree removal for the construction of new roads and buildings is another element contributing to air pollution. Temperature inversions make winter air pollution worse by preventing a layer of warm air from rising and trapping pollutants. The local governments’ inaction has increased air pollution since no one is paying attention to cleaning procedures, dust blowing from crumbling roads, or cars spewing smoke. As a result, a government department has temporarily outlawed the use of heavy equipment and trucks for departmental work in the city, which will help to lessen the haze. The relevant departments have been urged to take the necessary actions. The material used in construction projects has to be regularly watered and covered, according to instructions. It is within our power to take steps to deal with the problems, which should be followed with concern that we have to fulfil the duty of creating a healthy society ourselves.
