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, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
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.
Narowal remains engulfed in smog
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.
Reporters: Maida Waheed, Malik Ashraf and Yasir Arafat