City’s AQI 242, smog thickens again

LAHORE:Intensity of smog clouds has started to thicken again in the provincial metropolis, with an average smog level of 242 recorded.

The City of Gardens (Lahore) and New Delhi have almost same level in terms of pollution, as sometimes one city becomes the most polluted city in the world, sometimes another takes its place. However, on Friday, New Delhi surpassed Lahore and was declared the most polluted city in the world with an average air quality index of 342.

The average air quality index in Lahore, New Delhi’s closest rival, fell slightly to 242, with the highest air quality index in Lahore of 449 recorded in Sundar Industrial Estate.The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday predicted a cold and dry weather for City. However, partly cloudy weather with light rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in isolated places in Murree, Galliyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Noorpur Thal, Sargodha and Dera Ghazi Khan in afternoon. Light rain is also expected in Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Jhang and Faisalabad.

Likewise, smog/fog (in patches) is likely to reduce in plain areas of Punjab.Smog/fog (in patches) is likely to persist in Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Okara, Hafizabad, Jhang, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Multan, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Rahim Yar Khan and surrounding areas during morning/night. Meanwhile, the district administration and police, during the anti-smog operation in Lahore, sealed five industrial units and imposed Rs300,000 fine on them, here on Friday.

Also, 139 temporary encroachments were removed in a crackdown on encroachments to eliminate smog. Likewise, 40 vehicles emitting excessive smoke were booked, while seven vehicles were impounded and a fine of Rs80,000 was imposed on them. In addition, action was also taken against three debris waste sites and a fine of Rs12,000 was imposed.Similarly, water spraying and wet sweeping are also underway on the roads to reduce the intensity of smog.