Smog refuses to relent as winds blowing from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana continue to pollute cities in the north-east and center of Pakistani Punjab, especially Lahore. Lahore was again at the top of the list of the world’s most polluted cities on Monday as the air quality index (AQI) in the city was recorded at 308. New Delhi emerged as the second most polluted city. The air quality in Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Multan was also toxic.

It is pertinent to mention here that due to the burning of residue of crops in neighbouring Indian states, the air quality in these states is extremely poor, which ultimately affects cities in Pakistani Punjab as well. Smog is expected to become dense in the morning and at night, while some relief is expected between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM due to a slight rise in temperatures. On the other hand, on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, anti-smog squads are active in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Gujranwala.

The chief minister has directed the Department of Agriculture to adopt alternate ways of stubble burning as is the case in India. The EPA Force has increased the monitoring of industrial units and brick kilns in the Punjab cities as heavy fines are being imposed on the owners of factories and brick kilns who have been found violating the provincial government’s directives. On the other hand, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Monday that combating smog was not possible without the cooperation of the masses.

She asked people, especially children and aged, to avoid stepping out of their homes after 8 at night. “Already a ban is in place on all types of outdoor activities at schools,” she added. Karachi emerges as world’s fourth most polluted city Karachi with the AQI recorded at 167, was ranked as the fourth most polluted city in the world. The Met Office said that the maximum temperature in the port city was expected to fluctuate between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, while it would remain 25 degrees Celsius on the minimum side. Meanwhile, asthma and other diseases are on the rise, prompting doctors to advise people to take precautionary measures such as wearing facemasks.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)