City’s average AQI comes down to 199

LAHORE:The City's average AQI came down to 199 on Thursday’s evening, which was much higher in the early hours while the Punjab government termed it a result of its strict implementation of anti-smog policy.

Data collected from IQAir claimed that the average AQI in the city was 199, which was unhealthy. The PM2.5 concentration was 24.9 times the World Health Organisation annual PM2.5 guideline value.

EPD officials said wind from northwest to southeast direction reduced the spread of air pollution while clear fuel, industrial zoning and e-inspection system were clearly improving under the government's smog control plan.

Officials said zero tolerance for burning of crop residues remains, quick response teams were active 24 hours and significant improvement was made in drone surveillance. They said anti-smog squads, air purifying water bowsers and traffic emission control played a central role in reducing pollution in the city.

Health experts asked citizens with weak immune systems, the elderly and children to use face masks, limit unnecessary outdoor activities and increase water consumption. They added that if symptoms of throat irritation, cough, shortness of breath appear, one should immediately consult a doctor.

Met officials said eastern and south-eastern winds were also bringing polluted air to Lahore from Indian cities, including New Delhi, Ludhiana, Patiala, Chandigarh and Bathinda.

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, anti-smog field operations were intensified, the speed of industrial emission checking and vehicle smoke testing has been doubled across the province. Immediate actions on open drains and smoke points were being taken while special intelligence operations were being conducted in areas where crop residue was burnt.

The senior minister stated that large-scale tree plantation campaign by the Forest Department and PHA was started to restore oxygen corridors. She said the Environment Department has tightened checking of brick kilns, factories and workshops.

Met officials said Lahore's minimum temperature was 11°C while the maximum was 26°C. They predicted that cold and dry weather (while very cold conditions in hilly areas particularly during morning and night) was likely to prevail over most parts of the country. Cloudy weather with light rain/snowfall may occur in Gilgit-Baltistan. Smog, while shallow fog in patches (particularly during morning/night hours) may develop over plain areas of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.