Daily Times

Life in provincial metropolis on Sunday remained severely impacted and air pollution increased to an alarming level in various cities of Punjab.

Despite government’s intensified efforts, the provincial capital on Sunday again ranked first in the world in terms of air pollution. The average smog rate in the life in provincial metropolis city in terms of AQIs reached 753.

The air quality index of DHA Phase-VIII in different areas of Lahore was recorded at 1391, the air quality index of the American Consulate was noted 860, while the air quality index of The Mall road area was recorded as 806, while the AQI of Askari-X area reached 725.

Apart from this, Multan’s AQI was recorded at 527, Islamabad at 226 and Rawalpindi’s air quality index at 248.

Due to the toxic particles in the atmosphere, the citizens are facing many diseases including breathing.

It should be noted that due to the increasing in smog, public entry to all parks, playgrounds, historical places, monuments, museums in Lahore has already been banned until November 17, while hotels and markets are allowed to open until 8 am.

It may be mentioned here that in line with instructions from the Punjab government, the Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens have been closed for tourists due to increasing smog in the provincial capital. Moreover the Tomb of Jahangir, the Tomb of Nur Jahan, and the Shahi Hammam at Delhi Gate will also be closed until November 17.

Meanwhile talking to APP Environmental Protection (EPA) Director General (DG) Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh said that the Punjab government is striving for adoption of a holistic approach to address the issue of air pollution and smog across the province and to avoid the situation this year, it has intensified working on an anti-smog plan strategically..

On the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab government took several measures to combat smog focusing on agriculture, transport, environment, industry, energy, education and health sectors. To a query he said to reduce the intensity of smog, the government has accelerated its actions, as the severity of smog has made life haram for the citizens from October to February for many years.

The Punjab government has declared green lockdown to address the issue, he added.

He said a stringent crackdown is underway against vehicles operating without fitness certificates and those emitting excessive smoke.

On the other hand, according to the Department of Meteorology, the minimum temperature of Lahore city today is 19 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature is 29 degrees Celsius. The humidity in the air has reached 93 percent. has been recorded

According to weather forecasters, there is no chance of rain in Lahore city.

Air purifiers

In response to deteriorating air quality across Punjab, the Directorate General of Environment, led by DG Imran Hamid Sheikh, has issued a directive mandating the installation of air purifiers in all shopping malls and commercial plazas across the province.

The notification, aimed at countering the severe smog levels impacting cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Gujranwala, emphasizes the need to provide cleaner air for customers in indoor public spaces.

The directive urges all districts to ensure compliance, particularly in high-traffic commercial areas, to mitigate the effects of smog and improve indoor air quality amid escalating pollution levels.

Motorways closed, flights delayed

The Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M-II) has been closed to all types of traffic due to dense fog and smog that severely reduced visibility.

According to the report, the motorway from Lahore to Kot Momin was closed from 10 pm yesterday night, and traffic was halted to ensure safety.

Similarly, the Lahore-Multan Motorway and Motorway M-III, from Lahore to Durdana, were shut down for all vehicles starting from 12:15 am Sunday.

The Lahore-Sialkot Motorway was also closed completely from 11:15 pm the previous night due to extremely low visibility.

These closures led to significant delays, with long queues of vehicles forming at the Babu Sabu Interchange as motorists were forced to find alternate routes amid the worsening smog conditions.

Thick smog has significantly affected operations at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, where visibility dropped to just 50 meters, as reported by airline officials.

Both domestic and international flights have been impacted, leading to numerous delays and rescheduling.

Flights arriving and departing from Lahore have faced considerable difficulties due to the dense smog.

For instance, AirSial’s flight PF 733 from Muscat experienced a 3-hour and 40-minute delay, while Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK 172 from Muscat was delayed by 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Additionally, PK 302 from Karachi was delayed by 4 hours, and PK 959 from Lahore to Jeddah by 3 hours and 30 minutes.

7-day ultimatum

Secretary Transport and Mass Transit Ahmad Javed Qazi said on Sunday a decision had been made for a final action against vehicles that pollute environment.

He said a seven-day ultimatum had been given to owners of private smoky vehicles to get engines of their vehicles fixed; otherwise, heavy fines would be imposed on them.

Green lockdown

In view of the smog situation, green lockdown is likely to be imposed in more areas of Lahore in a day or two.

Environment Protection Agency (EPA) sources told APP that a proposed plan is ready to be announced soon, adding that green lockdown would be imposed in 12 areas of Lahore. These areas include Shimla Pahari, Hussain Chowk, Railway Station, Badami Bagh, Islampura. Anarkali, Gulshan-e-Ravi, Defence Phase-VIII, Johar Town, Revenue Society and Thokar Niaz Baig.

A green lockdown is also expected in Dharmapura and Shadman market areas, where markets would be closed at 8 pm daily.

Furthermore, commercial generators would be shut down in these 12 areas and rickshaws would be banned. Fifty per cent of the staff would come to private and government institutions. Likewise, open Bar BQ would be banned in the green lockdown areas.

Face masks

Additional Director General (DG) Environment Multan at EPA Punjab Zafar Iqbal Sunday urged citizens to take proactive steps to combat dust pollution which is a major contributor to smog and advised citizens to wear face masks, while authorities are encouraged to prioritize road cleaning and watering to minimize dust pollution.

Punjab’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the direction of CM Punjab was taking proactive measures to combat smog and improve air quality, adding, road cleaning and watering can also minimize dust pollution.

To tackle smog, the Punjab government has implemented various policies, including the Policy and Action Plan for Control, Mitigation, Advisory and Protective Measures in Extreme Weather Conditions of Dense Smog in Punjab and government has also initiated a “Green Lockdown” in Lahore to counteract rising smog levels, he added.

Cooperation between the business community, vendors, shopkeepers and common people is crucial for the government to effectively address various social issues, he added,

By working together, these stakeholders can help create a more united and prosperous community, he stressed.

He further said that smog, emissions of toxic substances and particulate matter will be curbed as government is rigorously enforce environmental laws and regulations related to industry and transportation sectors to promote a clean environment.