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Smog in Lahore - Is the Punjab government worried about this?

Punjab govt deliberating on weekly holiday, work from home arrangement to counter smog in Lahore

The Punjab government on Tuesday said it was deliberating on a weekly holiday and work from home arrangement to counter smog in Lahore.

According to a statement released by the spokesperson of the provincial government, the final decision on the matter would be taken during the cabinet meeting.

“During the upcoming cabinet meeting, the proposal for implementing a ‘work from home’ arrangement for one day in educational institutions, government offices, and markets will be under scrutiny,” he said.

The spokesperson added that proposed strategies and recommendations aimed at combating smog would also be thoroughly examined in the cabinet meeting.

“In light of recent rainfall, the air quality index in Lahore has improved to a reading of 55. A strategic action plan will be formulated to sustain this positive trend in air quality,” he said.

Separately, the Lahore Commissioner’s Office has said that if the decision was implemented, a weekly holiday in the city would be observed on Wednesday and the implementation would begin next week.

A statement issued by the spokesperson of the Lahore commissioner said all educational institutions, markets, and offices will operate normally tomorrow. The extension of the extra holiday will come into effect starting next week after the issuance of notification from the provincial government.


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Punjab govt deliberating on weekly holiday, work from home arrangement to counter smog in Lahore

Lahore commissioner says the decision, if approved by the provincial cabinet, will be implemented from next week.
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Smog declared ‘calamity’ in Punjab

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Wednesday declared smog a “calamity” in the province while the provincial government declared an “emergency” in this regard.

The development came after the city on Tuesday continued to maintain its unfortunate position as the world’s most polluted with hazardous air quality.

In the early hours of Tuesday, Lahore recorded an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 439, according to the global air quality monitoring platform, iqair.com. The situation remained grim throughout the day, with the AQI hovering at 325.

It is important to note that an AQI below 50 is considered safe for breathing.



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Smog declared ‘calamity’ in Punjab

Bans burning of crop residue; interim Punjab govt makes masks mandatory for all students, declares "emergency".
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Plumes of smog continue to pose health hazards in Lahore

LAHORE: The city continued to remain the second most polluted city of the world with a very unhealthy air quality on Thursday.

Maximum 442 Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 10am in the morning, according to data from the global air quality monitoring platform, iqair.com. The city’s air quality slightly improved in the afternoon to AQI of 196 till 6pm.

However, the situation again worsened with an air quality of 274 at 7pm and it became the second most polluted city globally. It’s important to note that an AQI below 50 is considered safe for breathing.

The situation varies across the city including Polo Ground Cantt 361, Lahore American School 311, Phase-8-DHA 309, CERP Office 306, Syed Maratib Ali Road 293, Pakistan Engineering Services (Pvt) Ltd. 282, Fida Hussain House 274, US Consulate in Lahore 248, Generation Pvt Ltd 224, and Aitchison College 212.

The city did not witness any improvement in overall AQI after the Punjab government declared smog as a calamity and vowed to implement measures to curb pollution levels.

The government is claiming to be shutting down brick kilns and taking action against vehicles emitting pollution but the situation did not improve.

According to a recent Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report, if Pakistan were to reduce particulate pollution to meet WHO guidelines, residents would gain a life expectancy of 2.7 years in Karachi, 7.5 years in Lahore, and 4.5 years in Islamabad.

The report also states that Pakistan is the world’s fourth most polluted country, with PM2.5 pollution shortening the average Pakistani resident’s life expectancy by 3.9 years, relative to what it would be if WHO guidelines were met.

Some areas of Pakistan face much worse than average conditions, with air pollution shortening lives by almost seven years in the country’s most polluted regions like Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Peshawar.

Environmental experts stress the importance of sustainable practices and stricter pollution control measures to prevent such episodes in the future.

Lahore Division Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Thursday chaired a meeting to make decisions on anti-smog measures.

He said with the cooperation of Punjab Food Authority and big food chains, a special discount will be offered to cyclists and pedestrians.

He said arrangements would be made to provide cycles to citizens on rent and the administration would cooperate with the cycling industry to play its role in the promotion of cycling culture in Lahore.

He said special lanes for cycling were marked around busy highways and shopping areas of the city and cycling lanes and parking stands should be constructed on important parts of Mall Road, Canal Bank Road, Jail Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg and Ferozepur Road.

The commissioner said the private sector and big housing societies of the city should also provide cycling facilities to the citizens.

He said educational institutions, cycling companies, and service providers were contacted to participate in weekly cycling and walking activities in Lahore.

He said civil society, lawyers, doctors, public and private sector will be made part of the special campaign.

In the meeting, Additional Commissioner Abdul Salam Arif, Director Development Javed Chauhan, Chief Engineer TEPA Iqrar Hussain, chief town planners, Assistant Commissioner Model Town Sahibzada Yusuf, director DG Headquarters and others participated.
​
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Plumes of smog continue to pose health hazards in Lahore

Food chains may offer discount to cyclists, pedestrians.
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Following the severely polluted air and smog in the second biggest city of Pakistan, Lahore, the cases of asthma have increased to an average of ten thousand cases daily.

Lahore, the second largest city in Pakistan, is currently ranked second on the list of the most polluted cities in the world.

According to the report issued by the Air Quality Index, Lahore’s air is dangerously harmful to health, with 281 particulate meters recorded in its air pollution.

Pakistan’s economic hub, Karachi ranks third in the list of most polluted cities with air pollution.

The doctors term the polluted particles that exist in the air as a risk for the patients of asthma, as the lowest quality and unhealthy air is causing the respiratory tract and lungs which leads the residents of Lahore to breathing problems.

Kamal Mustafa, Director of Emergency Services Hospital Lahore advised the patients to avoid eating rice, ghee, oil, cold drinks, and all of those ingredients that can impact their breathing system.

It is being reported that some hospitals in the city are facing a lack of availability of nebulizers; the patients were waiting in queues for the treatment.

The statistics available to Aaj News indicate that an average of 10,000 cases of breathing problems were recorded daily, while the cumulative tally reached 6,400 cases.

Source: AAJ News
 
Punjab govt declares four-day holiday as smog wave worsens

Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Tuesday that smog-hit districts of the province would observe a four-day holiday, Aaj News reported.

The holidays will be from Thursday (Iqbal Day) through Sunday, he said.

“Today, we will notify business holiday for offices and schools on November 10 in Lahore division, Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Kasur, Nankana Sahib districts, and Hafizabad while November 9 has already been declared a public holiday,” CM Naqvi said in a press conference.
 
Lockdown relaxed for two days

LAHORE: The Punjab government relaxed the smart lockdown restrictions in eight cities, allowing shopkeepers to open their businesses on Thursday and Friday.

Earlier, the government has imposed lockdown from Thursday to Sunday in Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Narowal and Hafizabad. As per the notification, the government had imposed the lockdown on educational institutions, offices, shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas and gyms in the eight cities.

However, following a strong reaction from the business and trading community, the government had to change its lockdown strategy and markets were allowed to continue their businesses for two days. Restaurants, cinemas and gyms were also allowed to remain operational.

The government has also imposed a restriction on burning crop residues, garbage, tyres, polythene bags and leather.

Medical stores, pharmacies, petrol pumps, tandoors, bakeries and dairy shops are exempt from the lockdown restrictions.

The State Bank of Pakistan has also announced that commercial banks and financial institutions will remain closed on November 10 in the smog-hit districts.

The air quality index in the provincial capital surpassed the hazardous level of 400, causing serious health issues among the masses. Lahore was once again ranked the second most polluted city in the world.

The government appealed to the people to stay indoors during the lockdown days.

However, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain in Lahore on Friday. A rain system was expected to enter in the city during the night.

A day earlier, local traders and restaurant owners had opposed the government’s move to impose the smart lockdown. The caretaker government had issued a stern warning of stringent actions against defiance.

In efforts to curb the prevailing smog conditions, the Punjab government had announced the imposition of Section 144 and health emergency in the Lahore division on Wednesday.

The notification announced the implementation of Section 144 in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib districts. Consequently, all educational institutions, government and private offices, cinemas, public parks and restaurants will remain closed in those districts on Saturday.
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tribune.com.pk

Lockdown relaxed for two days | The Express Tribune

Govt allows markets, restaurants, cinemas to operate today
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Nobody cares but this situation is leading to a disaster.

Our establishment is too illeducated or they dont care because their children will all be living overseas. We are leaving behind a disaster of a place to live for our future generations.
 
Scientists ready to revive artificial rain project

LAHORE: Scientists who had abandoned a proposal to induce artificial rain to curb smog in the city because of lack of interest by the government have expressed willingness to pursue the project if they are provided financial support.

Punjab University Geography Department Chairman Dr Munawar Sabir had begun work three years ago on artificial rain to curb smog. He also did an experiment of the technology in the Khanspur hills.

The Islamia University of Bahawalpur had also launched a department and team to work on the plan meant to improve the environment as well as to convert the Cholistan desert into fertile land.

A former commissioner of Lahore had also suggested the solution.

Meanwhile, dense smog blanketed Lahore and several adjoining districts of the province again during the past month, forcing the government to announce additional off days in schools and a smart lockdown.

“Many countries have successfully carried out artificial rain but there is lack of seriousness in this regard in the country,” Dr Sabir said while speaking to The Express Tribune.

He said the project would not be very difficult and costly if the government supported it.

“We have to see the weather and cloud situation and throw salt on clouds from an airplane to join them for artificial rain.

“We are facing horrible smog levels and there is a need to test artificial rain as a solution.

“I worked on the proposal for a few years and also discussed it with people who had worked in the field in other countries. If the government shows interest then we can resume the work,” he added.

An Islamia University of Bahawalpur professor said delegations from some other countries had also discussed with
the university’s team the idea of artificial rain but there was a lack of government support and appreciation.

The expert involved in the research initiative said the government should utilize the services of the university professors to help solve problems like smog.
​
tribune.com.pk

Scientists ready to revive artificial rain project | The Express Tribune

Seek government’s financial support for anti-smog initiative
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Lahore motorway closed for traffic due to dense smog

LAHORE: The motorway authority has closed Lahore to Sheikhupura M2 for traffic due to intense smog which rendered the driver’s visibility, ARY News reported on Thursday.

Motorway spokesperson said that the motorways are closed solely for the purpose of safe travel and ensure public safety.

The motorway police advised the citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, meanwhile, if necessary, the diver must use front and rear fog lights as the visibility is affected due to dense smog in Lahore.

Earlier, the Lahore-Multan Motorway and other sections were closed for traffic due to dense fog early Monday morning.

As per details, the sections of Lahore-Multan from Faizpur to Jarhanwala and Lahore motorway from Lahore to Sambrial are closed due to heavy fog.

The spokesman also advised using fog lights if traveling in this weather.

National Highways and Motorway Police advised the public to keep more distance between the vehicles and always take advisory from helpline 130 before starting the journey.

Earlier, poor visibility led to the collision of 4 cars near Qadiurabad Toll Plaza in Sahiwal, killing three people and injuring five others.

“Due to dense fog, many vehicles collided with each other near Qadirabad toll plaza,” the police said. The deceased also included women and children, police say.

On being informed of the accident, a team of Rescue 1122 reached the spot, provided first aid to the injured and shifted them to a nearby hospital.

ARY
 
Lahore again tops global pollution ranking with 470 AQI

LAHORE: The provincial capital on Thursday again topped the global pollution ranking with an unhealthy air quality level during the whole day.

Lahore, the second-largest city in Pakistan, continues to suffer from a smog crisis that has affected the health and livelihood of millions of people.

According to the IQAir, Lahore’s air quality was the worst in the world, with the air quality index (AQI) at a “hazardous” 470, followed by Delhi at 302 and Karachi at 204.

The smog, which is caused by a combination of vehicle emissions, industrial pollution and crop burning, has reached dangerous levels, with the concentration of PM2.5, the most harmful particulate matter, exceeding 15 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value.

The smog has also reduced the visibility and disrupted the flight operations in the city.

Many residents have complained of respiratory problems, eye infections and skin diseases due to the toxic air. Some have even left the city to escape the smog.

On Wednesday, the Punjab caretaker set-up had announced the closure of all educational institutions and public and private offices on Saturday in the province as part of measures to mitigate smog. The decision was made by the provincial cabinet in light of the Lahore High Court verdict.

The smog crisis in Lahore and Punjab is not a new phenomenon. It occurs every year in October, November and December, when the weather conditions trap the pollutants in the lower atmosphere.

According to a global environmental think tank, IQAir, Pakistan is the third-most polluted country in the world, and Lahore is the most polluted city.
​
SOURCE: DAWN NEWS
 
This is a very serious and alarming situation for Lahore and its people. The smog crisis is not only affecting the environment but also the health, economy and quality of life of millions of residents. The government should implement and enforce strict emission standards and regulations for vehicles, industries, and power plants, and impose heavy fines and penalties for violators. This is not good for the whole of Punjab, to be honest and in the long term for Pakistan as well.​
 
It’s the equivalent of having 30 cigarettes a day. Sad state
 
China has offered help to Pakistan to control smog and said that it is ready for technical and technical assistance for immediate solution of smog.

According to the details, the caretaker provincial environment minister Bilal Afzal had a meeting with the Chinese Consul General Zhu Shiran. In the meeting, the issue of utilizing the services of Chinese experts for smog remediation was discussed.

The caretaker minister said that the cooperation of the Chinese government is needed to control the smog, the short-term solution to the dangerous air quality index of 400 is artificial rain.

On which the Consul General Zhu Shiran said that they are ready for technical and technical assistance for the immediate solution of smog in Punjab, delegations of environmental experts from China will visit Punjab soon.

The Chinese Consul General proposed the construction of an air purification tower in Lahore and said that the air purification tower will help in controlling air pollution.

Source: ARY
 
The smog problem can only be solved if they stop burning trash. The main concern is industrial zones around Lahore. Until those industrial zones are shifted to another site, this smog issue in Lahore is endless.
 
I travelled on holiday in pakistan in 80 and early 90s and there was always heavy fog in winter months .

And in those days there was more greenery trees less population and urbanisation most people didn't even have cars then now every villager has one , the fog was there even in villages in 80s and 90s .
 
Punjab govt mulling ‘artificial rain’ in fresh bid to tackle smog in Lahore

In an attempt to combat severe smog levels in Lahore, the Punjab government is considering the use of “artificial rain” later this month as a measure to ease the smog situation in the provincial capital, it emerged on Friday.

Artificial rain, also known as cloud seeding, is a weather modification technique that aims to increase precipitation from clouds by dispersing substances, typically silver or potassium iodide, into the air to provide a surface for water vapour to condense onto. The increased condensation leads to the formation of larger water droplets that eventually fall as rain.

Punjab’s interim Environment Minister, Bilal Iqbal, chaired a meeting today to explore an innovative approach to addressing the persistent smog issue. The discussion took place in the wake of Lahore reclaiming the top spot in the global pollution ranking on Thursday, with residents enduring unhealthy air quality levels throughout the entire day.

The minister instructed the formation of a working group to supervise the initiative for artificial rain by Nov 28 or 29.




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Punjab govt mulling ‘artificial rain’ in fresh bid to tackle smog in Lahore

Environment minister forms working group to make arrangements for artificial rain by Nov 29 in Lahore.
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Cricket Warrior said:
Punjab govt mulling ‘artificial rain’ in fresh bid to tackle smog in Lahore

In an attempt to combat severe smog levels in Lahore, the Punjab government is considering the use of “artificial rain” later this month as a measure to ease the smog situation in the provincial capital, it emerged on Friday.

Artificial rain, also known as cloud seeding, is a weather modification technique that aims to increase precipitation from clouds by dispersing substances, typically silver or potassium iodide, into the air to provide a surface for water vapour to condense onto. The increased condensation leads to the formation of larger water droplets that eventually fall as rain.

Punjab’s interim Environment Minister, Bilal Iqbal, chaired a meeting today to explore an innovative approach to addressing the persistent smog issue. The discussion took place in the wake of Lahore reclaiming the top spot in the global pollution ranking on Thursday, with residents enduring unhealthy air quality levels throughout the entire day.

The minister instructed the formation of a working group to supervise the initiative for artificial rain by Nov 28 or 29.




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Punjab govt mulling ‘artificial rain’ in fresh bid to tackle smog in Lahore

Environment minister forms working group to make arrangements for artificial rain by Nov 29 in Lahore.
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Click to expand...
Rain is not the permanent solution they need to stop burning fields and trash which is the basic cause of it.
 
SMOG THREAT: PUNJAB MAKES WEARING MASKS MANDATORY

Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has made wearing face masks mandatory in 10 districts of the province affected due to smog.

According to the notification, wearing face masks has been declared mandatory in 10 districts of Lahore and Gujranwala division.

The decision was taken for all smog-affected districts of Punjab given the deteriorating air quality.

Residents of Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad and Mandi Bahauddin, the most affected districts by smog, have been asked to wear face masks.

According to the notification, issued on behalf of the health secretary, smog posed a serious and imminent threat to public health in all age groups.

“Hence, it is necessary to take all possible safety measures for prevention and control of airborne diseases,” it stated, adding that all citizens would wear masks during all kinds of outdoor activities.

The Punjab capital has been consistently retaining its top spot on the list of most polluted cities in the world.

ARY
 
Despite anti-smog steps, Lahore’s AQI continues to be hazardous

LAHORE: The city again had hazardous air quality with maximum Air Quality Index (AQI) of 409 on Monday, causing health issues among its residents, especially children and the elderly.

The AQI varied across the city, with UMT 301, CERP Office 274, Polo Ground Cantt 270, Syed Maratib Ali Road 265, Lahore American School 245, NETSOL 245, Pakistan Engineering Services (Pvt) Ltd. 219, US Consulate 210, WWF Pakistan 210, and Fida Hussain House 209.

An AQI above 100 is considered unhealthy, above 150 very unhealthy and above that it is termed hazardous.The latest AQI levels for Lahore’s adjacent districts of Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Nankana Sahib also show alarming figures.

On Monday, Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa chaired a review meeting on smog and emphasised the need for awareness campaigns on mask usage and a comprehensive strategy to combat the smog crisis.

Strict actions against environmental law violators were also discussed during the meeting, with 16,812 vehicle issued tickets and a fine of Rs30.29 million imposed during anti-smog operations.

The commissioner instructed deputy commissioners (DCs) to ensure the implementation of anti-smog measures, with a focus on monitoring and taking immediate action against crop residue burning.

He highlighted the importance of a coordinated effort from all sectors to adopt cleaner practices and reduce sources of air pollution.

In a bid to address traffic congestion, anti-encroachment operations were jointly conducted by Municipal Corporation of Lahore (MCL), Lahore Development Authority (LDA), and the district administration at 32 busiest points in the city.

The commissioner stressed that removing encroachments would facilitate better traffic flow.

For smog-related complaints and information, citizens are encouraged to use the helpline 042111425725, WhatsApp number 03289491760, and social media accounts.

Mr Randhawa assured that complaints not resolved within 24 hours would be addressed by his office.

To strengthen enforcement, special squads under supervision of DCs and DPOs concerned have started patrolling Lahore to Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib Motorways at night, officials claimed.The commissioner urged citizens to report smog-contributing factors promptly.

The meeting was also attended by key officials from various departments, including DCs of Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana, besides Lahore ADC, and officials of Wasa, LDA, health department, Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC), Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), police, and the agriculture department.

The hazardous smog is causing health issues among the city residents, including cough, breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and skin infections. Children, the elderly and individuals already having respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, are particularly vulnerable to effects of smog.
​
DAWN
 
This is getting serious with every passing day. Lahore still topping the table for the worst air quality is an alarm ringing for the Punjab government. Health hazard for not just punjab but also for other cities as well.
 

Artificial rain 'expected' in Lahore next month​

LAHORE: Chief Meteorologist Chaudhry Aslam said Tuesday that artificial rain is expected in Punjab’s capital of Lahore next month and preparations are underway for it as the government ups its efforts to curb smog.

In conversation with Geo News, Aslam, however, also mentioned that the artificial rain would not take place between November 28-29 and that the government is still considering it as an option to battle the deadly smog.

On Tuesday, the concentration of PM 2.5, or tiny particulate matter, in the air hit 237, considered very unhealthy, according to Swiss-based IQ Air. “PM2.5 concentration in Lahore is currently 37.4 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value.”

The government has taken several steps to curb smog, including the closure of schools, offices, and markets, as the country’s second-largest city, with a population of 11 million, was repeatedly ranked the world’s most polluted city.

Medics have asked people to wear face masks and stay at home as many complain about breathing problems. The government has also made wearing masks mandatory for a week, starting November 20.

Aslam, in his conversation, also mentioned that for artificial rain, a “special spray” is sprayed on clouds, which results in a downpour that can last for 45 minutes — and sometimes longer.

“In 2001 and 2002, artificial rains also took place in summer and winter seasons as authorities had sprayed on the clouds with the help of the Pakistan Army,” he added.

Source GEO
 
I live in Lahore and sometimes it feels that we can't breathe properly. Government should take this matter very seriously because at the moment it is getting worst each year.
 
A high-level meeting in Punjab decided on Thursday to take more steps to combat smog in the province especially in Lahore.

Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired the meeting to review the situation of smog in the province as Lahore city once again ranks first among the most polluted cities globally.

The meeting decided that the government would attempt artificial rain in Lahore if the conditions were suitable. CM Naqvi said that the artificial rain needed a particular kind of cloud and if it was avaialble, the rain would be attempted on November 29.

The meeting decided that Friday and Saturday would be declared as holiday in educational institutions.

In addition, markets will not be allowed to open before 3 pm on Saturday. The rules will apply to gyms and restaurants as well.

Government officials believe that smog in Lahore is mainly caused by the high amount of traffic moving in the city.

In addition to smart lockdowns, the government is also looking into establishing checkpoints throughout the city to make sure people are not moving needlessly in the city.

Source: AAJ News

www.aajenglish.tv

Smog: Punjab revises lockdown measures, plans artificial rain next week

Officials believe high amount of traffic is main cause of smog
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Anti-smog steps: Lahore to stay shut today

After a day of some respite, the smog level in Lahore has once again jumped to a hazardous level and taken the city back to the second spot on the list of the most polluted cities in the world.

On the other hand, under the recently imposed smart lockdown to curb smog in eight districts of Punjab, The Mall road in Lahore will remain closed for traffic on Sunday, while all sorts of markets and shops will remain shut.

Lahore city is set to be completely closed today, as business activities in the city will remain suspended all day.

Under the smart smog lockdown, entry of vehicles on The Mall road will be prohibited today.

The deputy commissioner will ensure implementation on the notification of the health department

However, medical stores and shops of food items will remain open on Sunday, while restaurants will be allowed to open after 4pm.

Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed said pharmacies, medical stores, petrol pumps, bakeries. Scheduled exams and entry tests will be held as per plan, he added.

The restrictions will apply to all the districts of Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Sahiwal, he said.

City Traffic Officer Mustansar Feroze said The Mall road will remain closed for all kinds of traffic till 3pm on Sunday. Citizens will only be able to travel on the road by bicycle and on foot.

The CTO said the Punjab government had taken these measures owing to the rising smog.



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Anti-smog steps: Lahore to stay shut today

Mall road to be closed for traffic; medical stores, shops of food items to remain open
www.samaa.tv www.samaa.tv
 
As the Rawalpindi district administration continues its crackdown on smoke-emitting industrial units, vehicles and brick kilns to curb smog in the garrison city, a high-ranking official has suggested a novel solution.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema told The Express Tribune said the administration was considering a pilot project to get more government employees to commute using bicycles.

In the initial phase, a quota of five to ten employees from each government office will be required to consistently travel to work via bicycles, said Cheema. “Specifically, young government employees will be mandated to commute to their offices using bicycles.”

He said the initiative would enhance their well-being and also discourage the usage of cars or motorcycles for commuting purposes.

As part of these efforts, the district administration would also organize a cycle rally as part of a campaign to combat smog and air pollution. He said it was part of measures to reduce the volume of vehicles on the roads. It would include adding bicycles and making the street bike-friendly, which would have a positive impact on air quality, he continued.

Along with these measures, the department was continuing its operation targeting vehicles, industrial units, and brick kilns contributing to smog, said Cheema while adding that no offenders would evade accountability.

The official said that penalties of Rs0.9 million had been imposed on 15 industrial units emitting smoke so far. Fines amounting to Rs350,000 have been levied on 30 brick kilns causing air pollution, with two of these kilns being sealed due to their contribution to environmental degradation.

Moreover, 3,370 vehicles have been issued challans over emissions. It has resulted in fines pf Rs1.928 million.

The anticipated benefits encompass cost savings, improved health, and a reduced contribution to air pollution, he concluded.

Electric bikes

Ibrahim Hasan Murad, the provincial caretaker transport minister, said on Tuesday that the government was ‘all set’ to launch electric bikes.

The e-bikes would be cost-effective and government employees would also be provided electric bikes on lease, he said.

He added that surveillance cameras part of the Safe City project would be used to identify smoke-emitting vehicles, with the owners facing punitive action.

Source: Express Tribune

tribune.com.pk

Govt employees to cycle to work | The Express Tribune

E-bikes among solutions to reduce smoke-emitting vehicles
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
LAHORE: The Punjab government on Friday lifted all types of smog-related restrictions in the province after a considerable improvement in air quality and allowed to open markets, restaurants, institutions and businesses.

Last week, the government had imposed a smart lockdown in six divisions of the province due to the worsening smog situation after declaring smog a calamity and a serious and imminent threat to public health.

The lockdown was imposed in Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, Sargodha, Faisalabad and Sahiwal divisions, which have the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) and are potential hotspots for conjunctivitis due to smog. However, the city air quality has improved considerably after light rain.

According to the Air Quality Index, the pollution level in the city improved and was 180 at the time of filing this report at 8pm. However, the air quality was still far from satisfactory and posed health risks for the residents.

Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi presided over a meeting of the cabinet committee for the eradication of smog at his office on Friday to review the current situation.

The meeting included discussions with environmental and health experts who provided suggestions to combat smog and its harmful effects.

After a detailed deliberation, the CM announced that smog-related restrictions were being ended and markets, restaurants, institutions and businesses will remain open on Friday and Saturday.

Additionally, winter vacation for educational institutions will start on Dec 18.

The CM directed the administration, LWMC and the PHA to continue road cleaning and water sprinkling. He also ordered a crackdown on smog-emitting vehicles and tyre-burning factories.

Meanwhile, Provincial Information Minister Amir Mir said the smog condition would again be reviewed next week and necessary steps be proposed in the wake of smog condition.

www.dawn.com

Smog-related restrictions in Punjab lifted

However, the air quality is still far from satisfactory and poses health risks for residents.
www.dawn.com
 
Soaring pollution in Lahore fills wards with sick children

In the packed paediatric emergency room of a Lahore public hospital, parents holding sick children lined up for treatment this week, part of a surge of young patients caused by the air pollution crisis in Pakistan’s second most populous city.

“We are disturbed and tense,” said Mohamad Qadeer, holding a nebulising device to his three-year-old daughter Rameen’s nose, engulfing her face in a billow of steam delivering medication to ease her congested airways.

She and her one-year-old sister Inaaya are among thousands of children suffering from pollution-related health problems. Health officials estimated there has been at least a 50 per cent rise in paediatric patients due to respiratory issues exacerbated by poor air quality in the last month.

Shazma Qadeer holds a breathing mask for her one-year-old daughter Inaaya, who is suffering from a respiratory illness amidst soaring air pollution at Sir Ganga Ram hospital in Lahore on December 4, 2023.— Reuters/Charlotte Greenfield

Lahore, known historically as a city of gardens, is now choking with toxic smog that placed it as the world’s worst for air quality last year.

As cooler temperatures took hold in November, air quality levels spiralled.

Twenty-four of the last 30 days had ‘hazardous’ or ‘very unhealthy’ air quality, according to Swiss group IQAir.

“It has gotten a lot worse than the previous years and it is affecting the health of the children,” said Dr Maria Iftikhar, senior registrar at Sir Ganga Ram hospital’s paediatric department.

The city of 11 million has been blanketed in thick haze that partially blocks the sun and shrouds streets with fog at night. The problem becomes more severe in cooler months, as temperature inversion prevents a layer of warm air from rising and traps pollutants closer to the ground.

Source : Dawn News
 

Lahore is once again most polluted city with AQI level of 284​

LAHORE (Dunya News) - Lahore once again became the most polluted city of the world with the air quality index (AQI) level of 284 on Saturday.

The AQI was recorded at 231 in Karachi and people are struggling with the breathing problems there.

The AQI level of Indian capital New Delhi was recorded at 187.

According to the WHO, air pollution kills 4.2 million people around the world every year.

An AQI level of 400-500 impacts healthy people and is dangerous to those with existing diseases, while a level of 150-200 brings discomfort to people with asthma, lung and heart problems. Levels of 0-50 are considered good.

Meanwhile, smog is affecting the health of people, especially the elderly and the children in Lahore. The health experts have advised to wear the face masks while going outside.

Source: Dunya News
 
Government is taking some measures like opening markets for limited time but that seem to be not enough. There has been to some solid solution to this issue that we are kept on facing each year.
 
CM Punjab launches cleanliness drive in Lahore to combat smog

LAHORE: Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, has launched a comprehensive cleanliness drive as part of ongoing efforts to combat smog in Lahore, ARY News reported.

The campaign, which began today, involves the deployment of four dedicated teams, each comprising 100 members, to clear the roads from dust and contribute to improving air quality in the city.

With a strategic focus on minimizing disruption, this initiative aims to enhance air quality without compromising the flow of traffic. The teams are equipped and ready to efficiently address areas prone to dust accumulation, ensuring a swift and effective response to the smog-related challenges faced by Lahore.

In a tweet, the Caretaker Chief Minister has expressed his commitment to creating a cleaner and healthier environment for the citizens of Lahore. By launching this initiative, the government underscores its dedication to proactively address the issue of smog and its adverse impacts on public health.

The campaign encourages citizens’ participation and emphasizes the collective responsibility of the community in fostering a cleaner and greener Lahore. Through the slogan “Let’s breathe cleaner, together!” the government urges citizens to join hands in creating a city with improved air quality.

The initiative is part of the ongoing efforts by the Government of Punjab to control smog and promote environmental sustainability. By combining targeted actions with a commitment to minimal disruption, the government aims to set a precedent for effective and responsible governance in environmental management.



arynews.tv

CM Punjab launches cleanliness drive in Lahore to combat smog

LAHORE: Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, has launched a comprehensive cleanliness drive as part of ongoing efforts to combat smog in
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
Artificial rain was used for the first time in Pakistan on Saturday in a bid to combat hazardous levels of smog in the megacity of Lahore, the provincial government said.

In the first experiment of its kind in the South Asian country, planes equipped with cloud seeding equipment flew over 10 areas of the city, often ranked one of the worst places globally for air pollution.

The "gift" was provided by the United Arab Emirates, said caretaker chief minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi.

"Teams from the UAE, along with two planes, arrived here about 10 to 12 days ago. They used 48 flares to create the rain," he told media.
He said the team would know by Saturday night what effect the "artificial rain" had.

The UAE has increasingly using cloud seeding, sometimes referred to as artificial rain or blueskying, to create rain in the arid expanse of the country.

The weather modification involves releasing common salt -- or a mixture of different salts -- into clouds.

The crystals encourage condensation to form as rain.

It has been deployed in dozens of countries, including the United States, China and India.

Even very modest rain is effective in bringing down pollution, experts say.

Air pollution has worsened in Pakistan in recent years, as a mixture of low-grade diesel fumes, smoke from seasonal crop burn off and colder winter temperatures coalesce into stagnant clouds of smog.

Lahore suffers the most from the toxic smog, choking the lungs of more than 11 million residents in Lahore during the winter season.

Levels of PM2.5 pollutants -- cancer-causing microparticles that enter the bloodstream through the lungs -- were measured as hazardous in Lahore on Saturday at more than 66 times the World Health Organization's danger limits.

Breathing the poisonous air has catastrophic health consequences.

Prolonged exposure can trigger strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases, according to the WHO.

Successive governments have used various methods to reduce air pollution in Lahore, including spraying water on the roads, and weekend shutdowns of schools, factories and markets, with little or no success.

When asked about a long-term strategy to combat smog, the chief minister said the government needs studies to formulate a plan.

Source: AFP

 
In a first, Punjab govt uses artificial rain against smog

In a first experiment of its kind, caretaker Punjab government on Saturday used artificial rain in a bid to combat hazardous levels of smog in Lahore.

Planes equipped with cloud seeding equipment were flown over 10 areas of the city, often ranked one of the worst places globally for air pollution.

Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the “gift” was provided by the United Arab Emirates. “Celebrating a groundbreaking moment in Lahore — the first-ever artificial rainfall to combat smog! Heartfelt thanks to the UAE government for their support, making our environment a priority without straining the provincial exchequer,” he said in a post on social media platform X.

“Teams from the UAE, along with two planes, arrived here about 10 to 12 days ago. They used 48 flares to create the rain,” he told the media. He said the team would know by tonight what effect the “artificial rain” had.

Naqvi further said that the federal government and its departments had also extended their cooperation in the effort.

Source : Dawn News
 
The Bald Eagle said:
In a first, Punjab govt uses artificial rain against smog

In a first experiment of its kind, caretaker Punjab government on Saturday used artificial rain in a bid to combat hazardous levels of smog in Lahore.

Planes equipped with cloud seeding equipment were flown over 10 areas of the city, often ranked one of the worst places globally for air pollution.

Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the “gift” was provided by the United Arab Emirates. “Celebrating a groundbreaking moment in Lahore — the first-ever artificial rainfall to combat smog! Heartfelt thanks to the UAE government for their support, making our environment a priority without straining the provincial exchequer,” he said in a post on social media platform X.

“Teams from the UAE, along with two planes, arrived here about 10 to 12 days ago. They used 48 flares to create the rain,” he told the media. He said the team would know by tonight what effect the “artificial rain” had.

Naqvi further said that the federal government and its departments had also extended their cooperation in the effort.

Source : Dawn News
Click to expand...

I expect this to be acid rain, given what is in the atmosphere - suggest people remain well covered.
 

Will there be school holiday in smog-hit Lahore on Friday?​




Lahore became the top city with worst air quality for several weeks, with thousands of people mostly school-going students reporting illnesses from allergies to respiratory issues, and the smog prompted government action to close schools.

Amid the worsening situation, the interim government of announced keeping schools closed on weekends in the wake of ongoing smog in the region and even Friday was declared holiday to save children from toxic air pollution.

Pakistani also decided that working hours of schools, and educational institutions will be reduced rather than giving weekday holidays amid alarming levels of air pollution.

Situation remained grim in Lahore and several other cities in the region. To avoid exposure to polluted air, students were also directed to wear masks and there will no more outdoor activity.

Lahore Schools Holiday Update. In a similar development, officials directed private schools to provide transport facilities to students. Officials directed schools to purchase school to curb alarming high level rising smog levels.

Source : Pak Observers
 
A new dangerous virus has been revealed during the smog in Lahore.

Symptoms of the new virus include high fever, body aches, cough and stomach problems, and the disease can be spread from person to person.

In Lahore city, 30 to 40 virus patients are visiting hospitals on a daily basis.

Children and elderly are the most affected by this disease, no death has been reported yet.

On the other hand, the caretaker provincial health minister Dr. Javed Akram has expressed fear that the new virus may be corona virus.

Anwar-ul-Haq has set a record for the longest tenure of a caretaker prime minister

People are not getting tested for covid at present, various types of virus are affecting the health of citizens.

All measures to control smog in the country's second largest city seem futile.

Source: Hum News
 
Severe fog disrupts traffic in Bahawalpur

The Heavy fog and smog have disrupted traffic on roads in Bahawalpur, especially in the morning due to very low visibility on Saturday. The Bahawalpur region has been receiving dense fog and smog for the last few days. It used to start in the evening and grip the region by midnight, remaining continuous the next day. The fog or smog is used to decrease visibility levels from five to 10 meters at night and in the morning and disrupt routine traffic. Traffic was very thin on the roads in Bahawalpur city on Saturday morning due to dense fog. The local Met Office has forecast that the region might continue receiving fog and smog for the next few days.

Source : Daily Times
 
The Bald Eagle said:
Severe fog disrupts traffic in Bahawalpur

The Heavy fog and smog have disrupted traffic on roads in Bahawalpur, especially in the morning due to very low visibility on Saturday. The Bahawalpur region has been receiving dense fog and smog for the last few days. It used to start in the evening and grip the region by midnight, remaining continuous the next day. The fog or smog is used to decrease visibility levels from five to 10 meters at night and in the morning and disrupt routine traffic. Traffic was very thin on the roads in Bahawalpur city on Saturday morning due to dense fog. The local Met Office has forecast that the region might continue receiving fog and smog for the next few days.

Source : Daily Times
Click to expand...
Avoid necessary travel as the thick smog may lead to unfortunate accidents. Besides fog, the smog has now become a common occurrence in winters in Pakistan.
 

Another artificial rain expected in Lahore to fight smog​

LAHORE (Dunya News) – After the first 'successful' experiment, the Punjab government on Tuesday decided to use artificial rain in Lahore once again.

A delegation headed by Ahmed Al-Kamal, the head of the cloud seeding team of the United Arab Emirates' Meteorological Department, met Punjab caretaker CM Mohsin Naqvi.

Among those who met the chief minister were Chief Pilot Michael Anistes and Pilot Colonel Obaid.

Naqvi appreciated and thanked the efforts of the UAE team for artificial rain to reduce smog in Lahore as the city has been named repeatedly among the worst polluted parts of the country.

Speaking on this occasion, the chief minisrter said artificial rain would be induced once again to reduce the smog, adding that the UAE team would be keeping a close eye on the clouds required for this purpose.

On the first experience, Naqvi said for the first time in Pakistan, artificial rain was successfully tested in Lahore and the air quality level remained below 200 for several days.

He further said, “Pakistanis cannot forget the efforts of the UAE pilots and they are grateful for the unending support of the UAE leadership in providing artificial rain.”

UAE experts hoped that the second test of artificial rain would be conducted in January as soon as the required clouds arrive.

Ahmed Al-Kamal, the head of the UAE team and other members of the delegation, thanked the Punjab CM for hospitality.

Source: Dunya News
 
I live in Lahore and I did see a difference after the first spell. I think Punjab Government should do it on weekly basis to tackle this heavy smog.
 
Due to the intensifying winter conditions, interim Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has decided to close primary schools for one week

Taking notice of the alarming surge in pneumonia cases, the caretaker CM has decided to extend winter vacations for nursery, grade-I, and prep classes.

Moreover, the government is also mulling over to postpone examinations across the province for a period of one month.

The interim government yesterday announced new schools timings as the Punjab is currently grappling with severe cold wave.

As the mercury dipped below average, Punjab Chief Minister Naqvi relaxed timings for all private and government schools. The decision was made as thick fogcovered various regions of Punjab.

In a recent announcement, CM said classes will commence at 9:30 am from January 10 2024.

“Due to the ongoing winter wave, schools will resume on 10th Jan 2024. From 10th – 22nd January, schools will start at 9:30 am,” Naqvi said.

CM also urged students to cover themselves with jackets and warm clothes as winter tightened grip.

Source: Ary News
 
The thick fog had gripped Lahore and its surrounding areas as the cold weather intensified.

Due to dense fog, the motorways were closed for traffic. The citizens were also facing hardships when travelling within the city.

– Country in grip of dry and cold weather –

Earlier, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said that the country was in the grip of dry and cold weather.

According to the Met department, the cold in the northern areas was intensifying, whereas the plain areas of Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were witnessing dense fog and smog.

-7°C was the lowest temperature of the day recorded in Skardu, whereas in Astore, Dir Parachinar, and Rawalakot, the weather was recorded at -3°C.

Source : Samaa News
 
Rainfall to dispel drought fears, smog

Dispelling concerns of a potential drought, Director General of the Meteorological Department Sahib Din on Wednesday assured that there was no imminent threat of it as the country braces itself for a spell of rainfall in the coming days.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Mr Din expressed optimism about the weather forecast, predicting a positive change in the meteorological conditions.

According to him, a new weather system is set to sweep across Pakistan from its western borders, bringing much-needed precipitation to various regions.

He highlighted that this anticipated rainfall, expected in the last week of January and the first week of February, will effectively break the ongoing smog cycle.

Currently, the plains of Punjab are experiencing a series of fog due to the dry winter conditions.

Mr Din explained that this fog, driven by the wind, has also enveloped Islamabad and adjacent hilly areas. However, he assured the public that substantial rainfall in the next few days will significantly improve the weather conditions.

Addressing concerns about a potential drought, Din dismissed the notion, emphasising the country's resilient irrigation system. He pointed out that the canal system ensures water supply to crops, mitigating the risk of drought.

He said that the country’s irrigation system is so robust that even in dry winters, we can sustain our agricultural needs.

He further elaborated that the risk of drought arises when there is an absence of rainfall for three or four consecutive years.

However, he said that Pakistan experienced favourable monsoons last year, coupled with promising rainfall this year. "Our country has had good rains last year too, and this year we have monsoon as well.

Hopefully, the weather will improve," he added.

SOURCE: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454345/rainfall-to-dispel-drought-fears-smog
​
 
Punjab sets out ambitious plan to get rid of smog

The newly formed Punjab government has set an ambitious target of making the province smog-free and eradicating the use of disposable plastic bags.

Marriyum Aurangzeb, who, among other portfolios, has the charge of environment protection and climate change ministry, presided over a stakeholders’ meeting to prepare an action plan.

Secretaries of environment and wildlife departments and fisheries DG have been asked to present measures to curb smog, which results in extremely hazardous air quality across the province, especially in Lahore during winters.

“This action plan to combat air pollution and enhance air quality in Punjab, especially Lahore, will be forged through collaboration with the private sector,” the minister said.

An ‘Advisory Council for Environment’ for coordination between the provincial government and private enterprises has also been set up.

“This council will serve as a platform for dialogue, consultation, and active participation of stakeholders in charting a course towards environmental enhancement,” Ms Aurangzeb said, adding that consultations with stakeholders have already begun to address plastic pollution and its adverse environmental impact.

The minister said that in line with the best practices and the evolving environmental landscape, amendments to the Punjab Forest Act have been approved to meet contemporary demands.

The meeting also sanctioned the inaugural ‘Zoological Survey’ in Punjab to collect data on species, population, and geographic distributions.

The moot outlined plans for the province’s first ‘Digital Wildlife Archives’ and the establishment of the first ‘Wildlife Protection Force’ of the Wildlife Department.

Ms Aurangzeb emphasised the need to safeguard endangered species and preserve vital wetland ecosystems through specialised measures.

“To bolster agricultural productivity and promote sustainable practices, a concerted effort will be launched to enhance fish farming and shrimp production,” the minister announced, along with the first international fish market to be established in Lahore.

The topics of environmental change, forests, and wildlife would be incorporated into the curriculum at primary and secondary levels, she said.

Degree programmes focusing on environmental changes would be introduced at higher education levels.

Rain, snow forecast

The northern region, which has been under the grip of intense snowfall, is likely to witness more rains and snow, as the Meteorological Department has issued a forecast for upper parts of the country, including Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

The advisory stated that rain and snowfall are expected from Monday and warned the local administrations to remain alert.

The Met Office advisory added that a westerly wave is likely to enter the northern region on March 11, followed by another wave on March 12.

Under the influence of these weather systems, rain/thunderstorms and heavy winds are expected in Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum till March 14.

Other parts of Punjab expected to receive rain till March 14 are Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali and Bhakkar.

Similar weather, with isolated hailstorms, is also expected in Multan, Kot Addu, Layyah, Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Sadiqabad, Khanpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar on March 13.

A forecast for rain has also been issued for several Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts, including North Waziristan, South Waziristan, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Bajaur, Karak, Khyber, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan and Kurram till March 14.

In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, intermittent rain and snowfall are expected in Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpurfrom March 11 to 15.

The heavy rain and snowfall may result in road closures in Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli.

The advisory has warned of landslides in upper KP, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir and GB and damage to infrastructure, including electric poles and vehicles.

Tourists have been advised not to undertake unnecessary travel.

As per the forecast, the southern region, including Balochistan’s Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, Ormara, Panjgur, Kharan, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, and Awaran districts, will receive rain and thunderstorms, with isolated showers, on March 10.

Chagai, Noushki, Washuk, Mastung, Sibbi, Nasirabad, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel, Kohlu, Jhal Magsi, Loralai, Ziarat, Quetta, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah and Qila Saifullah will witness a similar weather, with snowfall on hills, till March 13.

The forecast warned of flash flooding in local nullahs of Gwadar, Ketch, Turbat, and Panjgur on March 10, while snowfall may disrupt traffic in northern Balochistan from March 10 to 13.

In Sindh, rain is expected in Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana and Dadu on March 10 and 12, while dry and windy weather is forecast for the province’s southern parts.

SOURCE: DAWN
 
In a move to address the smog crisis in Punjab, the professor who conducted the first artificial rain experiment in Pakistan was removed from his post, ARY News reported on Sunday.

According to the details, the Head of the Geography Department, Prof. Dr. Munawar Sabir, was removed from his position at Punjab University.

Dr Munawar Sabir was a member of the Artificial Rain Experiment team and the Punjab Government Commission.

The Sources revealed that a woman, 10 years junior to prof Munawar Sabir, has been appointed as the head of the Department of Geography at Punjab University.

It is pertinent to mention here that, On December 16, 2023, for the first time in the country’s history, a total of 48 flares were fired during the first artificial rain experiment in different areas of Lahore to combat the smog crisis in Punjab.

The former caretaker Punjab Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, told the news conference that the first artificial rain has been made in Pakistan, for which he is grateful to the UAE team.

arynews.tv

Professor behind artificial rain project removed from post

In a move to address the smog crisis in Punjab, the professor who conducted the first artificial rain experiment in Pakistan was removed from his post,
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
his is the reason Pakistan is underdeveloped; we don't give value to our scientists.
 
Incomplete AQI data hides alarming pollution levels in Lahore

The intensity of smog in Lahore is reaching alarming levels, overshadowing the accuracy of air quality index (AQI) data.

Punjab’s Environmental Protection Department is mainly collecting data from cleaner areas, neglecting industrial and underprivileged regions, which has made the city's overall AQI data unreliable.

Critical monitoring stations, such as Punjab University, FC College Canal Road, and the US Consulate, are recording dangerous pollution levels, while industrial zones like Mehmood Booti and Sundar Industrial Estate remain ignored.

Key roads, including GT Road and Jail Road, are also excluded from monitoring, further distorting the true state of Lahore’s air quality.


 
How’s the situation in Pakistani Punjab.
So far I would say the situation isn’t still that bad.
 
Smog in Lahore ends outdoor play for schoolkids

Schoolchildren in Punjab’s Lahore have been banned from outdoor exercise until January because of hazardous smog levels, officials said Friday.

The eastern megacity near the border with India regularly registers among the world’s most polluted cities, this week recording more than 20 times the level deemed safe by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Smog is particularly bad in winter as a result of low-grade fuel from factories and vehicles in the low-lying megacity of 14 million, where denser cold air traps emissions at ground level.

Seasonal crop burn-off by farmers on the outskirts of Lahore is also a major contributing factor.

This week the Environmental Protection Agency of eastern Punjab province said that outdoor school activities in Lahore would end from Monday.

A Punjab School Education Department spokesman told AFP on Friday the ban would last for three months until January 31.

School hours will also be cut in the morning to prevent children travelling when the pollution is most punishing.

Lessons will start no earlier than 8:45 am (0345 GMT), cutting 15 minutes off learning hours for public schools and more than an hour for most private schools.

Breathing the toxic air has catastrophic health consequences, with WHO saying strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases could be triggered due to prolonged exposure.

According to UNICEF nearly 600 million children in South Asia are exposed to high levels of air pollution.

Schools in Pakistan’s most populous province of Punjab in particular are increasingly disrupted by extreme heat in the summer and choking smog in the winter.


english.aaj.tv

Smog in Lahore ends outdoor play for schoolkids

Seasonal crop burn-off by farmers on the outskirts of Lahore is also a major contributing factor
english.aaj.tv
 
Tough times ahead of us all north Bharatiyas. Haven’t been keeping well since a week. The pollution has already started to impact regular life.
 
Looking at the AQI maps. Punjab seems mostly light compared to Lahore and Delhi areas.
I guess stubble burning has decreased somewhat and this year smog is relatively less toxic than what we had in the last 5-6 years. By now Delhi AQI would be touching 1000+ this time its barely touching 400. Still pretty toxic though.
Bhaijaan said:
Tough times ahead of us all north Bharatiyas. Haven’t been keeping well since a week. The pollution has already started to impact regular life.
Click to expand...
Bewal Express said:
My niece said exactly the same. She was in Lahore earlier in the week and This was her 1st visit to Lahore and most likely the last. She said she couldn't breathe and felt sick.
Click to expand...
1730013824609.png
 
Aang_The_last_airbender said:
Looking at the AQI maps. Punjab seems mostly light compared to Lahore and Delhi areas.
I guess stubble burning has decreased somewhat and this year smog is relatively less toxic than what we had in the last 5-6 years. By now Delhi AQI would be touching 1000+ this time it’s barely touching 400. Still pretty toxic though.
Click to expand...

Our immunity has weakened over the years and life expectancy has shortened by a few years hence even lower pollution levels now have the same impact on us.
 
Bhaijaan said:
Our immunity has weakened over the years and life expectancy has shortened by a few years hence even lower pollution levels now have the same impact on us.
Click to expand...
Organic physical form has its limits, life will evolve into higher more robust form as the "true scriptures" have foretold!
 
Lahore's AQI rises to alarming levels

The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Lahore has elevated to the dangerous levels, making it the most polluted city of the world.

On Sunday morning, the average AQI of Lahore was recorded at 696. The AQI of the areas of American Consulate, the DHA and Maratib Ali Road was recorded as 916, 842, and 810 respectively.

With the rise of air pollution in the provincial capital of Punjab people are getting infected with flu, cough and other respiratory diseases.

Health specialists have directed the citizens to wear masks regularly to prevent the bad effects of smog.


Dunya News
 

Emergency alert issued in Lahore as smog chokes metropolis enviroment​


Punjab government has issued an emergency alert for residents of Lahore due to hazardous air quality caused by smog from Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh.

Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has urged citizens to take precautions by wearing masks and keeping windows and doors closed as strong winds bring in pollution from neighboring regions.

Minister Aurangzeb reported that as the winds subsided yesterday, Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) dramatically improved from 800 to 191.

However, she emphasized that children and individuals with heart and respiratory conditions should avoid outdoor exposure.

The environment minister noted that the burning of crop residues in Indian regions has contributed to the increased pollution levels.

She reiterated that the strong winds significantly affect Lahore's air quality, exacerbating the already critical situation.

In response to the worsening conditions, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also appealed to every citizen to wear masks. To safeguard children, school timings have been adjusted to 8:45 AM.

Parents and school management are urged to adhere to safety measures, ensuring that children wear masks when attending school. Aurangzeb stressed that it is essential for the health of young students, advising parents not to send their children to school without proper protection.

Residents are encouraged to report any environmental pollution violations to Citizen 1373 to help combat the rising pollution levels in the region.

www.samaa.tv

Emergency alert issued in Lahore as smog chokes metropolis enviroment

Says 30% air quality caused by smog from Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh
www.samaa.tv www.samaa.tv
 
Things have already gotten fairly bad in Lahore. Going to work in the morning you can see a significant cloud of smog in the atmosphere. And this is October. It's isn't really even winter here right now.
 
CM Maryam says both Pakistani and Indian Punjabs should unite against smog

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday reiterated her call for climate diplomacy with India to tackle the worsening issue of smog on both sides of the border.

The New Delhi region battles pollution each year as temperatures fall and cold air traps construction dust, vehicle emissions and smoke, much of which officials say travels from the neighbouring breadbasket states of Punjab and Haryana.

On Monday night, Lahore was the most polluted city in the world, touching 708 points on the Air Quality Index (AQI). Today, according to IQAir, Delhi held the top rank with 196 points, with Lahore just six points behind it.

Addressing a Diwali event in Lahore today, Maryam said: “We need to have diplomacy with India regarding the issue of smog in Lahore. I’m thinking of writing a letter to the Punjab Chief Minister [Bhagwant Mann] in India that this is not just a political issue, this is a humanitarian issue.

“And if we’re also taking steps towards this, then there should be a matching response from the Indian side,” she stressed.

“The winds don’t know there’s a border in the middle,” she lightheartedly remarked before emphasising that the people and environment on both sides of the border will benefit from this diplomacy.

“Until both Punjabs come together, we won’t be able to tackle the issue of smog,” she said.

CM Maryam’s remarks today echoed her October 10 call for “climate diplomacy” with India to mitigate the impact of smog in Punjab.

Last week, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb called on Lahore residents of Lahore to “declare war on smog”. She noted that 30 per cent of the city’s smog hovered over from India.

According to a report earlier this month, at least 71 people have been arrested for burning stubble and trash, operating prohibited brick kilns and driving smoke-emitting vehicles in Punjab. In India’s Haryana state, at least 16 farmers have been arrested for illegally burning paddy stubble.

Minority Card to be launched on Dec 20

The chief minister also announced that a ‘Minority Card’ will be launched in Punjab on December 20 to aid those with less financial resources.

The statement was the first formal announcement of the initiative following a passing remark last month that the Punjab government was mulling the decision.

“All minority members across Punjab, especially poverty-stricken minorities who don’t have a lot of resources, will receive Rs10,500 through the Minority Card,” she said.

“We will start with 50,000 people, but God willing, in the upcoming year, not only will we increase the number of beneficiaries, cards and families, but also the amount of money being given,” she said to a round of applause from the audience.

She went on to detail her visit to Kartarpur this year, thanking the Sikh community for the immense warmth and gratitude they showed to her.

The chief minister highlighted that should any minorities ever feel unsafe, they can dial 15 (the police helpline) for assistance.

“In the recent past there have been incidents with minorities that have made my head hang in shame, and it has caused me great pain to see trivial misunderstandings become full-blown fights,” she regretted.

“Because there are few minorities, it is our responsibility to provide a safe Pakistan, a safe Punjab for them so that they can stay in their houses safely, without any fear of danger, and that they feel that this is their country and they have every right to be here,” Maryam said.

She emphasised that this was not just her constitutional responsibility as chief minister but a humanitarian one “that vulnerable sections of society feel absolutely safe”.

Maryam also announced a Rs15,000 Diwali gift being given to 1,400 families across Punjab.

“May we all live together in peace and harmony under one flag. Once again, I wish you a happy Diwali.”

DAWN NEWS
 

Green lockdown imposed in Lahore to tackle smog​


The Punjab Environmental Department has made a major move to combat smog by enforcing a "Green Lockdown" in Lahore.

Lahore has been experiencing the worst smog for the last few days, and it has aggravated to a level that has touched 708 points on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

The Environmental Department on Wednesday issued a notification for the lockdown. Davis Road, Egerton Road, Durand Road, and Kashmir Road, along with the areas from Shimla Hill to Gulshan Cinema and Abbott Road, have been designated as hotspot areas.

Additionally, the area from Shimla Hill to the Railway Station and Empress Road has been declared a hotspot, and Queen Mary Road and its surroundings are also marked as polluted zones.

In these areas, all construction activities will be completely banned. Commercial generators will not be allowed to operate, Chingchi rickshaws will be strictly prohibited, and open barbecue will be restricted after 8pm.

Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz underscored the need for 'climate diplomacy' with India to tackle the scourge of smog.

Addressing a Diwali event in Lahore, the chief minister said Pakistan must have diplomacy with India to fight smog in Lahore. “I am thinking of writing a letter to the Indian Punjab chief minister. This is not just a political issue but a humanitarian issue," she said.

dunyanews.tv

Green lockdown imposed in Lahore to tackle smog

All construction activities will be completely banned.
dunyanews.tv dunyanews.tv
 
Punjab govt declares smog as ‘calamity’, sends children with medical issues on 3-month leave

As smog was declared a “calamity” in Punjab, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ordered all special education schools in Lahore to send students with conditions/diseases susceptible to poor air on a three-month leave from Friday.

In the early hours of Thursday, Lahore recorded an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 201 — the second highest in the world, according to the global air quality monitoring platform, iqair.com.

While an AQI below 50 is considered safe for breathing, today’s record for Lahore fell in the ‘very unhealthy’ category.

On Monday night, Lahore was the most polluted city in the world, touching 708 AQI points.

This screengrab shows the AQI level recorded in Lahore on Thursday. — iqair.com

According to a notification issued by the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Monday, the decision to declare smog a calamity was taken under Section 3 of the Punjab National Calamities (Prevention and Relief) Act, 1958.

The notification, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, said deputy commissioners were delegated powers of relief commissioners to take all necessary measures to control and mitigate smog.

According to the notification, the Punjab government has banned several pollution-causing activities across the province.

These include burning any type of crop residue, solid waste, tyres, rubber and plastics, as well as vehicles emitting visible smoke and pollutants falling into inadmissible limits.

It also banned all industries working without emission control systems, saying they contributed to the deterioration in the AQI.

The provincial government also imposed a ban on all stone crushers operating without wet scrubbers, as well as on the sale and use of all types of sub-standard fuels.

All types of encroachments and any parking that caused hindrance in the smooth flow of traffic on public roads were not to be allowed, the notification asserted.

It further said activities without proper safeguard, which contribute to generating fugitive dust, were to be banned as well.

Leaves for children susceptible to poor air

Separately, the Punjab EPA ordered all “Schools of Special Education” in Lahore to send their students, who had medical conditions that could get triggered by poor air quality, on a three-month compulsory leave from Friday.

School girls wear masks as they walk along a street amid heavy smog in Lahore on Oct 31, 2024. — AFP

An order issued by Punjab EPA Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, signed today and a copy of which is available with Dawn.com*, stated that the schools, both public and private, should send “those students on compulsory leave who are suffering from diseases which get triggered by poor air quality”.

It went on to list several such conditions: broncho-vascular diseases (chest infections, throat infections, asthma, flu, cough, tuberculosis, pulmonary problems, allergies, etc) or cardio-vascular diseases (angina, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, etc) or immunodeficiency (Covid-19, etc).

The decision will take effect from November 1 (Friday) till Jan 31, 2025, the document said.

Govt to take action against ‘negligent officers’: PDMA

According to Punjab PDMA Director General (DG) Irfan Ali Kathia, the government would take action against “negligent and irresponsible officers”.

In a statement, DG Kathia ordered that the entire province’s administration should ensure the implementation of the government’s measures to prevent smog.

He vowed that a case would be registered against people who burn crop residues, stressing that the administration and the people could eliminate smog together.

“People should support the government in the war against environmental pollution,” the PDMA DG said, adding that a smog emergency was in place and the government would strictly deal with law-breakers.

“Few people’s carelessness cannot harm hundreds and thousands of people,” DG Kathia asserted.

He also directed the administration to conduct a vigorous anti-smog awareness campaign and that mission smog remediation would not stop under any circumstance.

The Punjab government announced a “green lockdown” in designated smog hotspots across Lahore yesterday, imposing restrictions on barbecue joints, motorcycle rickshaws and marriage halls — measures described as insufficient and poorly planned by air quality experts.

Experts and academics have challenged the government data about the main contributors of smog, including vehicles and stubble burning, arguing that one could observe smog around Lahore even in June travelling on M2 Motorway, wondering about the cause of smog in summer.

At the same time, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reiterated her call for climate diplomacy with India to tackle the worsening issue of smog on both sides of the border.

The Punjab Assembly also took up the issue yesterday, where opposition members sought one more day to prepare for a “meaningful debate on the matter”.

Last week, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb called on Lahore residents of Lahore to “declare war on smog”, stressing that it could take eight to 10 years to overcome the issue through dedicated individual and collective efforts.

DAWN NEWS
 
Efforts under way to enforce ‘green lockdown’ in Lahore

Efforts are under way to enforce a “green lockdown” in the Shimla Hill area and its surroundings to address the rising air pollution in Lahore.

Moreover, checkpoints have been established on roads leading to the lockdown areas.

The government agencies have been seen implementing the lockdown, which covers approximately a two-kilometre radius around Shimla Hill. Roadblocks have been set up on Kashmir Road, Egerton Road, Empress Road, and surrounding areas to ensure compliance with regulations. Parking has also been removed in front of the NADRA office.

Authorities have stated that the government is “taking all possible measures” to eliminate smog and provide citizens with a pollution-free environment.

According to a notification, several high-pollution zones (“hotspots”) have been identified.

These include Davis Road, Egerton Road, Durand Road, and Kashmir Road. The areas encompassing Shimla Hill to Gulshan Cinema and Abbot Road are also designated hotspots, as are the areas from Shimla Hill to the Railway Station and Empress Road.

Queen Mary Road and its surrounding areas are also included in the high-pollution zones.

Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court has indicated that there may be a move to implement work-from-home arrangements for two days a week, close schools for two days, and suspend all commercial activities on Sundays.

Justice Shahid Karim, during a hearing on petitions regarding smog mitigation, noted that similar measures were implemented last year. He urged the environmental commission to meet and formulate a decision. Various departments submitted reports during the hearing.


AAJ News
 
Reports in media , funds allocated for smog being used in purchase of 10 x vehicles by Punjab Govt.

These thugs have no shame
 
Lahore’s air quality remains hazardous with 581 AQI reading

Lahore keeps its top rank in the most polluted cities of the planet today with overall air quality index (AQI) reading 581 on Sunday morning.

Lahore has been on the top of the hazardous air quality list in the world.

According to the website, the areas surrounding the DHA have most polluted air as 1754 air quality reading recorded in DHA Phase 8. The air pollution reading remained 1258 in Gulbarg and 1404 in the vicinity of Askari 10.

AQI reading reported 493 at Mall Road and 529 recorded at Shimla Pahari vicinity.

Smog in Lahore causing serious health problems for residents toiling in polluted air and reported to have breathing difficulties, coughing and burning eyes.

Health experts have advised general public to use glasses and masks to avoid adverse impact of the dangerously unhealthy air.

AQI as high as 151-200 is considered unhealthy, while an AQI rating between 201 to 300 is more harmful and AQI over 300 has been extremely hazardous.

Lahore had the worst air quality of 1,067 at 9:30 in the morning on Saturday, according to the Swiss air quality watchdog’s real-time list of most polluted cities in the world, despite provincial government’s desperate attempts to fight off smog.

Air pollution in Lahore soared on Saturday more than 80 times over the level deemed acceptable by the World Health Organization (WHO), AFP said in a report.


arynews.tv

Lahore's air quality remains hazardous with 581 AQI reading

LAHORE: Lahore keeps its top rank in the most polluted cities of the planet today with overall air quality index (AQI) reading 581 on Sunday morning.
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
Lahore continues to grapple with smog

The provincial metropolis on Monday briefly topped among the most polluted cities in the world with a considerable improvement in its air quality during the day.

The Punjab government had closed all primary schools of Lahore due to the smog till Nov 9 and some private organisations started work from home policy for its 50 per cent staff on alternate days.

The government had already imposed a “green lockdown” in designated smog hot spots across Lahore and also declared smog a “calamity” in the province.

Despite poor air quality, business in the city was observed as usual with no decrease in traffic and no adherence to the SOPs by the citizens.

The city’s maximum Air Quality Index (AQI) was reported 1,173 on Sunday.

The citizens were seen complaining about hazardous air quality on social media and also criticising the government for not taking any measures to address the issue.

Many X (formerly Twitter) users highlighted the adverse impact of the smog on their health, with one very eloquently stating that the people of Lahore were “so cooked”. (For those who aren’t chronically online, this means they’re doomed). “Sore throat, burning eyes and stifling air — Lahore’s air quality has plummeted to some of the worst levels globally. The thick, smoky haze hangs over the city, making it feel increasingly unlivable.”

Activist Ammar Ali Jan called the situation an “ecological apocalypse”, adding that cities in Pakistan only worked for “land mafias, car/oil companies and corrupt bureaucrats”. “Only those who can afford air-purifiers can survive. Privatisation of clean air! Absolutely criminal and insane,” he wrote.

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said New Delhi’s AQI has reached 393, while Lahore’s AQI is at 280 due to changing wind patterns. Wind speeds are ranging between 2 and 5.5 kilometers per hour, moving from south to east, which is creating challenges in reducing pollution levels.

She said the city of Kolkata in India ranks third with a score of 189, Dubai fourth at 177, Cairo ranks fifth, and Dhaka stands at sixth.

She also highlighted that on Nov 4, Lahore’s AQI had spiked to 1,173 due to wind speeds reaching almost 800 kilometers per hour.

She appealed to the public to cope up with seasonal conditions and refrain from undertaking actions that increase pollution levels. She also urged the media and social commentators to play their active part in raising awareness and shaping public opinion on this matter.

Provincial minister Azma Bokhari said tackling smog is not easy and China has been fighting it for 26 years.

She said smog has become one of the biggest issues currently while adding that when wind from India blows towards Pakistan, Lahore’s air becomes more polluted. We are aware that efforts are also being made on the Indian Punjab side.

DAWN NEWS
 
Work from home policy announced in Punjab amid smog crises

The Punjab government announced work from home policy for office workers in the smog-hit areas as severe air pollution is affecting millions.

The provincial government led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, declared a work-from-home policy for both public and private workplaces in the divisions of Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan in an effort to combat the deteriorating air pollution.

The offices are directed to operate with a 50 percent in-person staff under the new guidelines. The action is intended to reduce exposure to the dangerous haze that has engulfed the area and the amount of daily transportation, which greatly raises pollution levels.

Earlier, the provincial government announced closure of schools in smog-hit districts. It also made it compulsory to wear mask in smog affected districts of Punjab.

“Schools will remain closed until November 17,” Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said.

The minister also announced that the classes will be conducted online. Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the winds from India have badly affected Multan, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura and Gujranwala cities.

“A letter will be forwarded to the foreign office over the smog issue,” the minister said.

The Punjab government has already imposed a green lockdown in various areas of Lahore to combat smog and pollution.

According to a notification, the green lockdown was imposed in different areas including Davis Road, Kashmir Road, Egerton Road, Durand Road, Abbott Road (Shimla Pahari to Gulistan Cinema), Empress Road (Shimla Pahari to Railway Headquarters), Queen Road and Allama Iqbal Road

The restrictions were imposed on construction work , plying of chingchi rickshaws , and use of commercial generators.

Restaurants and barbecue services will also restricted after 8 pm in the most affected areas.

Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz suggested smog diplomacy with India to overcome the menace of dangerous levels of the air quality.

“Smog is not a political but a humanitarian issue, I am considering writing a letter to Indian Punjab’s chief minister,” addressing a Diwali gathering in Lahore Maryam Nawaz said.

“The air doesn’t know the border between two countries, it is impossible to fight smog until both Punjabs take joint steps,” Punjab’s Chief Minister said.

arynews.tv

Work from home policy announced in Punjab amid smog crises

LAHORE: The Punjab government announced work from home policy for office workers in the smog-hit areas as severe air pollution is affecting millions. The
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
Schools, colleges closed across 18 districts as smog reigns in Punjab

As smog blankets Punjab, the provincial government on Wednesday announced the closure of public and private educational institutions across 18 districts from Nov 7 to 17.

The decision follows an alarming rise in air quality index (AQI) levels, which have crossed into hazardous territory, especially in Lahore, where AQI peaked at a staggering 1,165 on Wednesday morning.

Lahore has been particularly hard hit, with AQI readings remaining at hazardous levels throughout the day. AQI measurements in various parts of the city recorded disturbing levels: Phase 8-DHA at 1,156, Syed Maratib Ali Road at 822, Askari 10 at 813, and other areas showing similarly high readings. Other cities, including Multan, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad, also reported dangerous air quality levels.

Punjab senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday also held a press conference where she announced the closure of educational institutions in 18 districts of the province due to increasing smog levels, and directed school and college administrators to arrange online classes.

The Punjab Environment Department also issued notifications regarding the closure of educational institutions. Public and private schools and colleges, including A-level institutions, will be closed and will be shifted to online classes.

This decision applies to Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Nankana Sahib, as well as Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, and Narowal. Schools in Faisalabad, Chiniot, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Multan, Lodhran, Vehari, and Khanewal will also remain closed. The closure period will be effective from November 7 to 17.

Remote working

Additionally, 50 per cent of public and private sector offices will operate with work-from-home arrangements, allowing management to determine their remote workforce.

Official meetings in government offices will be held over ‘Zoom’ and wearing masks has been made mandatory for everyone, as citizens are breathing in “methane-laden air”. Safe City cameras will monitor motorcyclists to ensure that they wear masks.

She said that hospitals had reported 900 cases of respiratory and throat infections attributed to smog.

She urged the public to raise awareness through media campaigns on smog prevention because the AQI levels were expected to rise in the coming week.

She said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will discuss climate diplomacy with India, working towards a joint action plan on this matter, with a formal letter already prepared.

She said that currently, eastern winds were moving from the south to the north, affecting Lahore and surrounding areas.

Health Minister Imran Nazir said that smog counters were established in hospitals, with anti-allergy vaccines provided to counter the impact of smog. So far, 900 patients affected by smog have been reported.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Lahore Syed Musa Raza held a meeting with Deputy Director Environment Ali Ijaz and Secretary RTA to tackle smog.

Ban on heavy transport

In Lahore, a ban on heavy vehicles was imposed under the Environment Protection Act 1997 and the ban will remain in effect from November 8, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Action will be taken under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code in case of violations.

Arrangements will be made for the supply of essential items to the citizens, and there will be an exemption for the supply of medicines, petrol, medical supplies, and food. DC Syed Musa Raza said that passenger buses with inspection certificates will get an exemption.

Ambulances, fire brigade, Rescue 1122, police, and prisoner vans will be exempted as well. He said that the district administration was trying to control air pollution.

DAWN NEWS
 
Smog violations: Authorities arrest seven, register 19 FIRs during crackdown

The Punjab government on Thursday arrested seven people and registered 19 FIRs during a crackdown against those who violated smog-related measures.

According to the spokesperson of Punjab Police, 382 people were fined Rs 755,000 and 28 people were issued warnings during cracking down. Meanwhile, 12 violations of the burning crop remain, 315 violations of vehicles emitting smoke, two on industrial activity, 2 against brick kilns and 5 other violations were reported.

This year, a total of 1700 suspects were arrested and 1826 cases were registered in the anti-smog crackdown, 19291 people were fined more than Rs 32 million. During this period warnings were issued to 1247 people. Also, 1103 violations were recorded on burning crop residues, and 16499 for high-emission vehicles.

The spokesperson of Punjab Police said that 310 violations of industrial activities, 631 of brick kilns, 42 of barbecues and 180 of other places were reported.

Officials said that 4695 vehicles emitting smoke were challaned, 445 vehicles were impounded.

Also, during the year, 715,363 vehicles were challaned, 155,494 were impounded and fitness certificates of over ten thousand vehicles were suspended.


Dunya News
 

Strict anti-smog measures to be implemented across Punjab​


The Lahore High Court (LHC) has taken decisive action in response to the escalating smog crisis, issuing orders for the immediate implementation of a work-from-home policy and an early closure of markets by 8 PM.

Justice Shahid Karim, who presided over the case, underscored the urgent need to address environmental pollution and smog in the region. The court directed that all markets close at 8 PM, with a ban on Sunday operations, as part of its efforts to curb smog levels.

In addition to these measures, the court called for a ban on smoke-emitting vehicles from entering the motorway and ring roads, emphasizing that this smog emergency requires swift action.

While the court acknowledged that controlling smog will not yield immediate results, it noted that the impact of these measures may take up to five years to be fully realized, citing China’s successful pollution control efforts as a reference.

The Lahore High Court also prohibited the entry of trucks, buses, and trailers into the city, given their significant contribution to pollution levels. To help manage the traffic, the court ordered the deployment of police and Dolphin Force personnel.

Additionally, fines were imposed on smoke-emitting buses, with Rs 50,000 penalties to be levied for violations. The court urged the government to take action whenever the case is heard and called for a comprehensive evaluation of the smog situation, particularly at night.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency announced the closure of parks, zoos, and recreational areas across 17 districts, including Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Multan, from November 8 to 17.

These steps are intended to minimize exposure to the hazardous environment and protect public health.

On Friday, air quality indices in several cities soared to alarming levels. Multan recorded an air quality index of 2135, while Lahore stood at 290. Other cities like Peshawar and Rawalpindi also experienced high levels of pollution.

The Punjab government’s anti-smog campaign is in full swing, with continuous inspections of smoke-emitting generators and vehicles, resulting in 47 vehicles being impounded and fines of Rs 550,000 in the last 24 hours. Several food outlets were sealed due to environmental violations.

Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has called for all freight vehicles to be covered with tarpaulin to prevent pollution. She also urged parents to keep their children indoors, emphasizing the importance of wearing masks and following safety precautions.

The government is taking every possible step to curb smog and protect the citizens from its harmful effects.

tribune.com.pk

Punjab unveils strict anti-smog measures across province | The Express Tribune

Lahore High Court orders work-from-home policy, market closures, and anti-smog actions amid worsening pollution.
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Things are really bad in Lahore. I haven't seen proper sunlight in two days. You go outside and it feels like you're in a Hollywood movie's idea of Middle East/South Asia. It's just yellow and grey hues everywhere. The entire city is choking because of the smog.
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
Things are really bad in Lahore. I haven't seen proper sunlight in two days. You go outside and it feels like you're in a Hollywood movie's idea of Middle East/South Asia. It's just yellow and grey hues everywhere. The entire city is choking because of the smog.
Click to expand...
And the CM is out in Geneva for throat operation
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
Things are really bad in Lahore. I haven't seen proper sunlight in two days. You go outside and it feels like you're in a Hollywood movie's idea of Middle East/South Asia. It's just yellow and grey hues everywhere. The entire city is choking because of the smog.
Click to expand...
1165 AQI!!!! 550 in Delhi looked like a hell. Please take care lahoris and stay safe
 
The Bald Eagle said:
And the CM is out in Geneva for throat operation
Click to expand...
Tbh, I think everyone should get out of this city. If I didn't have a job here, I wouldn't be living in this city. It is borderline unlivable from October to January. And things only seem to get worse with each passing year.
 
SportsWarrior said:
1165 AQI!!!! 550 in Delhi looked like a hell. Please take care lahoris and stay safe
Click to expand...
Thank you. Unfortunately, most people here have zero awareness about the importance of face-masks. I'm from Pindi and if it wasn't for work, there is no way I would be living here.
 
Punjab plans artificial rain to tackle unbearable smog in Lahore

In order to improve the ever-worsening air quality index in Lahore due to the alarming level of smog, the Punjab government has planned artificial rain.

Sources said, the meteorological department of Lahore has started the monitoring process to combat smog.

The army aviation has spearheaded the efforts for the development of technology related to artificial rain.

The air quality index (AQI) of the provincial capital Lahore has remained alarmingly high early Thursday morning with DHA Phase 8 at 1,254 and average at 822.

The Swiss IQAir chart of the most polluted cities showed Lahore still at the top with 784 and Indian capital Delhi at a distant second with 433 around 9am. The situation improved by midday as the AQI of Lahore fell to 496.

However, accrding to the Department of Environment, the AQI of Shimla Hills and the US Consulate area has been recorded at 876. It has warned of a possibility of further increase in the rate of smog in the coming days.


dunyanews.tv

Punjab plans artificial rain to tackle unbearable smog in Lahore

Lahore has remained the world most polluted city recently
dunyanews.tv dunyanews.tv
 
Many of my family members are really concerned recently. This is an issue that needs addressing urgently. The long term ramifications on public health are very serious
 
Punjab doubles restrictions as Multan AQI tops 2,000

The smog situation in Punjab continues to aggravate as the air quality index (AQI) reading in Multan crossed the 2,000-mark on Friday morning.

The provincial government has also closed parks and museums till Nov 17 as air quality worsened to record level in all major cities of Punjab.

Multan, the largest city in south Punjab, recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 2,135 between 8am and 9am, according to IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitor.

The concentration of PM2.5 — fine particulate matter in the air that causes the most damage to health — was 947 micrograms per cubic metre, which is 189.4 times above the WHO guideline, as per IQAir.

The global health body considers anything over five micrograms per cubic metre as hazardous.

The AQI in Multan reached 980 by 10pm, at least three times over the 300 mark considered “hazardous”.

Three air quality monitors in the city at the WWF-Pakistan Office, Shamsabad Colony and Multan Cantonment showed AQI readings of 2,316, 1,635 and 1,527, respectively, at 10pm.

The smog situation in Multan’s surrounding districts of Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, and Khanewal was also the same, resulting in reduced visibility on roads.

The administration of Nishtar Hospital, Multan’s biggest medical facility, has established two smog counters in the OPD and Emergency wards due to hazardous air quality.

However, these counters did not receive any patients until the filing of this report.

Multan Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sindhu on Friday imposed a ‘smart lockdown’. The markets have been directed to close till 8pm and traffic police to take strict action against vehicles emitting smoke.

The city administration has also directed a crackdown against stubble and waste burning and brick kilns operating without zig zag technology.

Rao Noushad, a resident of Multan, told Dawn that the rules were being flouted as children were playing in the grounds and streets as the schools were closed.

He also complained of a sore throat due to bad air quality.

‘Winds from India’

The AQI in Lahore was also reported above 1,000 at 12am, making it the most polluted city in the world leaving behind Delhi.

A “complete ban” has been imposed on the entry of people in parks, zoos, playgrounds, monuments, museums and play lands in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Chiniot, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Multan, Lodhran, Vehari and Khanewal.

An official notification issued on Friday said the violators would face action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which criminalised disobedience of government orders.

Public and private schools in 18 districts of the province have already been shut.

Meanwhile, officials in Punjab continue to blame India for the worsening air pollution and attributed the “unprecedented” situation this year to wind patterns.

Punjab Environment Protection and Climate Change Department (EPCCD) Secretary Raja Jahangir Anwar told Dawn that a cross border wind phenomena was creating heavy smog in the south Punjab cities including Bahawalpur, Multan and Rajanpur.

He said the “wind pool” entered south Punjab from cities of Bikaner and Jaipur in India’s Rajasthan states which share the border with the region.

Even though industrial and vehicular emissions and stubble burning were resulting in smog, this wind pool also had turned the situation worse, according to the EPCCD secretary.

Punjab’s senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said steps were being taken to curb the smog and all cargo trucks have been directed to cover their loads with tarps.

She urged the public, particularly children, to not go outdoors as a “precaution to safeguard lives”.

Ms Aurangzeb said actions were being taken against private generators and vehicles causing pollution in Lahore.

The authorities seized 47 vehicles, issued fines to 31, and imposed penalties totaling Rs550,000.

Additionally, several food stalls and outlets have been closed for “violating environmental regulations”.

Reduced visibility

Several key roads were closed on Friday as visibility in south and central regions was badly affected due to the thick smog.

The Lahore-Abdul Hakeem M3 Motorway was closed from Lahore to Jaranwala and Faizpur to Durkhana while no traffic was allowed between Shorkot and Gojra at the Faisalabad-Pindi Bhattian M4 Motorway.

The Lahore-Islamabad M2 Motorway was also closed for traffic from Lahore to Sheikhupura.

DAWN NEWS
 

Deadly smog turns Multan into most polluted city​


Multan has emerged as the most polluted city in Pakistan, according to the latest air quality index. Toxic winds from India have contributed to the city’s rising pollution levels, with the air quality score reaching a worrying 700, making it the most affected city in the country.

The new smog and air pollution chart reveals that Lahore ranks second with a score of 467, followed by Peshawar at third with a score of 392.

Rawalpindi comes fourth with a score of 254, while Islamabad is in fifth place with a score of 228. Other cities on the list include Haripur with a score of 193, Abbottabad at seventh with 171, and Karachi ranked eighth with a score of 83.

Punjab’s Senior Minister, Maryam Aurangzeb, has urged citizens to take precautions. She advised people in the most affected cities to avoid going outdoors, and, if they must, to wear masks for protection.

She emphasised that air pollution has become a serious issue not just for individual cities or provinces but for Pakistan and the wider region as a whole.

tribune.com.pk

Deadly smog turns Multan into most polluted city | The Express Tribune

New smog and air pollution chart reveals that Lahore ranks second with a score of 467
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
Thank you. Unfortunately, most people here have zero awareness about the importance of face-masks. I'm from Pindi and if it wasn't for work, there is no way I would be living here.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I know. I visited Delhi in 2023 peak smog season and had weezing. I never had weezing in my life, so much so that I didn't even recognize the symptoms. Then my close relative asked me go inside the room and sit near the air purifier for an hour to feel better. I had visited Lahore in 2003 early winter and again in 2004 late winter for Indian tour. I didn't find this much smog then. To be honest Delhi was also not that bad that time although I didn't Visit Delhi around that time

I always felt this is one of the areas India and Pakistan can collaborate. The issue is so severe that it impacts the population on both sides of the border. Although there is politics involved it is more against the local ignorant farmers, general pollution duee to poor quality of fuel, etc rather than the usual politics between India and Pakistan. There is a common ground to cooperate with each other. I remember few years back in one of the climate issues meeting both India and Pak worked together to come up with a joint statement

How I wish our competition and rivalry slowly changes over to bettering quality of life for our people rather than finding ways to kill each other
 
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