LAHORE: Lahore, once again, finds itself engulfed smog crisis, asserting its unfortunate position as the second most polluted city on the planet due to increasing Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
On Monday morning, the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 221, categorically labelled as ‘unhealthy’ by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Alarming statistics indicate that six areas within Lahore surpassed an AQI of 300, with the Quaid-e-Azam Highway recording the highest index at a staggering 372. Other severely affected localities include DHA Phase 8, Garden Town, and Shimla Pahari Chowk, all grappling with hazardous air quality levels.
Compounding to the concern is the escalating humidity, with the air saturated at an alarming 92 percent. This atmospheric moisture, coupled with elevated pollution levels, poses a serious health risk to Lahore’s residents.
Despite the serious efforts taken by the government, there was no substantial improvement in the air quality index of Lahore. There are certain areas in the city where the air quality index is consistently highest during the smog season.
As citizens contend with the adverse effects of this environmental menace, urgent measures and collaborative efforts are imperative to address the root causes of the persistent smog crisis, safeguarding the well-being of individuals and the city’s environmental future.
