Deteriorating Air Quality Index: Green lockdown imposed in city

LAHORE : In the wake of deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI), the Punjab government imposed a green lockdown in the provincial capital here on Wednesday.

In this regard, Director General, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), issued a notification as the AQI of the city crossed 300 at various spots across the city while the average AQI was 284. DG, EPA, in his order said the government was striving hard to control all possible intrinsic factors which caused air pollution and deteriorated quality of ambient air.

Pre-emptive measures against all the sources of air pollution have already been taken by EPA as well as other departments concerned, he said. “And whereas, 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 order stated.

EPA DG Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh said many restrictions were imposed in the areas identified as air pollution hotspots, which included a complete ban on construction activities, complete ban on entrance of "Qingqi motorcycle-rickshaws", complete ban on operation of commercial generators, complete ban on open food cooking points/Barbq, complete ban on food outlets using charcoal, coal or wood without installation of proper emission control system, complete ban on the operation of marquees/ marriage halls, complete ban on day sweeping and only wet sweeping shall be done by LWMC. The DG in his order said 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) 4.11.2024 (Monday). The order said car parking in the above mentioned areas shall be restricted as per guidelines issued from Chief Traffic Officer, Lahore while all the HTV (heavy transport vehicles) 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.

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.

Meanwhile, Met officials said continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country. Rainfall was observed at various cities of Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, KP, and Kashmir. Wednesday’s highest maximum temperature was recorded at Sibbi and Tandojam where mercury reached 40°C while in Lahore it was 33.5°C and minimum was 21.4°C.