Daily Times

Smog continues to haunt Lahore as despite the fact that green lockdown was imposed in some of its parts, it was again ranked as the second most polluted city in the world on Friday.

The air quality index (AQI) in the Punjab capital was recorded at 220. It was 256 over Pakistan Engineering Society, 253 over Syed Maratab Ali Road and 247 over Johar Town localities of the city. Consequently, the residents experienced throat and chest infections, prompting doctors to advise them to wear facemasks before stepping out of their homes.

Not far from Lahore, the city of Narowal and its outskirts, too, remained engulfed in smog as well as fog, considerably reducing visibility and creating a lot of inconvenience for motorists.

On the other hand, the Lahore High Court (LHC) during the hearing of a smog-related case on Friday ordered a crackdown on long vehicles plying on the city’s roads.

Justice Shahid Karim ordered the checking of buses and other vehicles and immediately impounding those emitting smoke.

The judge also directed the Punjab government to find an alternate mode of transport for Chingchi rickshaw by next year. “If the same situation persists, then impose restrictions as was done last year,” he ruled.

Justice Karim suggested that schools could be closed for two days a week and similarly the employees of private offices could also be asked to work from home for two days a week. “Likewise, a complete ban may be imposed on all kinds of commercial activities on Sundays.”

The judge said he appreciated the provincial government’s efforts to cut down pollution levels, but at the same time reminded the government was doing all this on the court order.

He ordered the LWMC to use water used for ablution in mosques to wash roads. “We also commend the government for appointing competent officers in the environment department.” Later, the court adjourned the case’s hearing until November 8.

Anti-smog measures: Implementation of multi-sectoral action plan of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for dealing with crucial issue of smog is under way currently.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Friday that on the direction of CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, disinfected water is being sprinkled on roads in the smog hotspot area of Lahore including Shimla Pahari and surroundings.

The purpose of the measure is to reduce effects of smog in the area. There is a reduction in air pollution, Abbott Road, Gulistan Chowk, Haji Camp, Empress Road and other adjacent areas are also being disinfected by spraying water.

Marriyum advised people to call 1373 to report immediately where air pollution was high anywhere around Shimla Hill Green Ring so that timely action could be taken. She said that an operation was conducted to eliminate encroachment on Haji Camp and Empress Road, where vendor-carts were taken into custody while temporary sheds were put down.

The senior minister said that the process of plantation in Shimla Pahari area is also going on, adding citizens should adopt the carpooling method and keep the number of vehicles on the roads to a minimum.

Likewise, parking outside the Nadra office has been shifted, the EPA lab team are regularly monitoring gas emissions from power generators at its offices on Empress Road, she informed.

She further said that Squads have extinguished a massive garbage fire in the city and in this connection, three FIRs have been registered, all open Bar BQ points were closed in Shimla Pahari Green Ring on Thursday evening. While the teams kept surveillance there throughout the night.

Lahore hospitals: As smog intensifies in the provincial capital, hospitals are reporting a surge in patients with respiratory issues, including dry cough, asthma, and difficulty breathing.

Influenza and viral infections are affecting a significant portion of the population, leading to a shortage of influenza vaccines. Among children, cases of pneumonia, chest infections, and dry cough are rising, while eye irritation and skin conditions are becoming increasingly common. Heart disease and asthma patients are particularly impacted by the deteriorating air quality.

According to the Health Department on Friday, in the past 24 hours alone, the city’s five major public hospitals received a substantial number of patients suffering from smog-related illnesses. Mayo Hospital’s emergency department reported over 1,680 patients, Jinnah Hospital received 1,345, and Gangaram Hospital admitted more than 1,265 patients, with Services Hospital and General Hospital also experiencing a high influx of cases.

Medical experts report that hospitals are overwhelmed by air pollution-related cases, alongside influenza and viral infections, with children and the elderly among the most affected. They recommend that individuals with respiratory issues stay indoors, and urge those with lung and asthma conditions to take extra precautions. Additionally, instances of skin disorders and eye irritation are becoming increasingly prevalent.

To mitigate health risks, experts advise the public to wear masks and protective eyewear. Individuals with weakened immune systems are encouraged to consume a balanced diet, including dry fruits and herbal teas, to strengthen immunity during this critical time.

Anti-smog campaign: Lahore Police have intensified their campaign against smog, registering 197 cases and arresting 209 individuals.

This was stated by the Lahore Police spokesman in a statement issued here on Friday.

He added that the enforcement of government SOPs related to smog prevention was being strictly implemented. The police have registered cases for various violations, including the burning of fuel, coal and carbon board, leading to 8 arrests, 77 cases related to construction materials with 87 arrests and 17 cases for burning crop residue resulting in 17 arrests. Additionally, 25 cases were filed for burning tires, plastic and shopping bags with 25 arrests made and 49 cases against factories contributing to air pollution, resulting in 49 arrests, he said. Furthermore, the spokesman reported that 21 cases were registered for setting fire to waste, leading to the arrest of 23 individuals.