Lahore (Web Desk): The smog crisis in Punjab remains unresolved, with the city's air quality still severely polluted. In various parts of Lahore, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has surged to hazardous levels, raising serious concerns about the health risks for residents.
The AQI in several areas of Lahore has triggered alarms. In Ravi Road, the AQI reached 302, while Lower Mall recorded an AQI of 515, Iqbal Town 517, Sanda Road 497, FC College 466, and Saddar Cantt 437. In Faisalabad, the AQI reached 410, and in Multan, it hit 367, posing an extreme health risk to the population.
Environmental experts warn that the ongoing increase in pollution is becoming a severe threat to public health. They have advised citizens to take precautionary measures such as avoiding unnecessary travel, wearing masks, and refraining from outdoor activities, especially in the morning.
To combat the growing air pollution and smog, the Punjab government has launched a large-scale operation. The Transport and Mass Transit Department teams are working around the clock to take action against vehicles emitting excessive smoke. In the first week of November alone, 4,184 vehicles were inspected, and 877 were found to be emitting harmful smoke or lacking a fitness certificate. These vehicles were fined, and 288 were impounded. Additionally, action was taken against 671 overloaded goods transport vehicles.
A total of 8 million Pakistani rupees in fines have been levied, and 255 FIRs have been filed. Moreover, 208 drivers have been arrested. The Environmental Department has vowed to take more stringent measures to curb the smog crisis.
Experts have urged citizens to follow safety precautions and heed government guidelines to mitigate the impact of smog and protect their health.