The air quality index (AQI) shows the condition of pollution in the air. The purpose of an AQI is to report air pollution and if it is producing hazardous results. If the rank of air quality index increases to 150, it is unhealthy; if it increases from 200, it becomes a very unhealthy environment. It is then a health alert, it affects all groups of people, and it may cause serious health issues. If the rank increases from 300 to 500, it causes real hazards, indicating the warning of an emergency. Lahore is exceeding the rank of 470 nowadays.
Pakistan is ranked 123 in AQI worldwide. Now the AQI of Lahore is at 470, touching its highest limit that has serious hazards for the people of Lahore. The AQ Iends at 500. The most affected area is Gulberg. At this time, Lahore has left behind the world’s most populated city, New Delhi. This harsh, unhealthy environment affects children’s health. The climate of Lahore is heartbreaking looking at the number of people suffering from illnesses. Due to smog, there are many cases of children suffering from chest infections or breathing problems. Winter comes with a lot of good things, but for Lahore this winter may bring a lot of difficulties. Government has asked the public to use mask in the next few days.
As stated in the latest AQI report, Lahore is suffering from a very unhealthy environment. Lahore is ranked the second most polluted city in the world. Currently, the AQI is about 470, and it will remain the same this week. Air gets denser in warm and cold air, and therefore, pollution remains long in air and creates smog that is hazardous. Due to smog, the government of Punjab announced the schools to remain closed last Thursday. Due to an unhealthy environment, many people are suffering from lungs infections and feel difficulty in breathing.
Our government should take action to control the unhealthy environment. The government should be finding ways to control the smog and figure out why it is happening and increasing every year. It is the issue of not just one city; it is the issue of all humanity.
Imran Khalid, Ph.D. in environmental policy, responses to the queries of people, and explains the reason for smog in Lahore. He says that a mixture of cool and warm air causes smog. He also says that the use of poor quality fuel in vehicles can pollute the air; our vehicles do not have the power and technology to control pollution. According to Khalid, vehicular pollution, industrial pollution, brick kilns, burning of dirty fuel, and industrial waste are some of the causes of smog in Lahore.
Ayesha raja, an activist, has helped students raise their voice about smog. She has a signed formal request from people, appealing to the authorities to look into the issue of smog. In her tweet she said that children placed a formal request to the Lahore High Court. She says that the Lahore High Court must tell us the reason of the extreme level of air pollution in Lahore. To respond to this issue, the High Court has summoned the Environmental Pollution Agency and AG next Tuesday.
Ayesha Raja tweeted: “Pakistan’s medical professionals: Implement measures to mitigate Pakistan’s public health emergency due to smog – Sign the Petition!”
Every year, people of Lahore face poor air pollution, and no one speaks up. Three teenagers have stepped up, and speaking for the people of Lahore have asked the court to tell the truth about the hazardous pollution. Their motive is to save the world and save humanity. Leila Alam is 13 years old, Mishael Hyat 17, and Laiba Siddiqi 18. They have accused the government of Punjab for not informing the public on time. When the AQI rank increases from 150, action must be taken. These teenagers have a signed formal request from people on the issue of Lahore’s climate. Leila Alam’s father, acting as her lawyer, says that government should announce a public health emergency. He adds that the polluted air is damaging lungs and causing health issues like asthma and bronchial infections.
Malik Amin Aslam, federal minister, accuses India for changes in the climate. He says that burning of crops in the Indian Punjab is the real reason for this hazardous smog. Aslam has announced a plan to control the polluted air. He says that the government has a team for monitoring the air quality, and there are daily updates about the smog of Lahore on the website of the Environmental Protection Department. Government will take action and fine those who use dirty technology and burn tyres. He adds that the government should reduce greenhouse gases.
Zartaj Gul, Minister of State for Climate Change, blames the Azadi March. She says that using of so many vehicles in the march created more pollution, adding to the hazardous environmental pollution in Lahore.
A few tips for safety: wear a mask, stay at home, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities,and keep windows and doors closed.
The writer is a broadcast journalist, human rights activists and Producer at hum news