Lahore retains second-most-polluted city rank

Lahore retained its notorious place of the second most polluted city in the world on Monday with its Air Quality Index (AQI) as high as 383, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to IQAir.com, New Delhi still tops the list of most polluted cities in the world with its AQI level at 551.

The air quality level recorded at different areas in Lahore is as follows: Syed Maratab Ali Road (417), DHA Phase 8 (412), US Consulate (390), Fida Hussain Road (383), and Mall Road (360).

Due to hazardous smog in the air, medical experts in Lahore have suggested special precautionary measures for patients with lung and respiratory issues, advising them to stay indoors and wear masks and glasses when going outside.

According to IQAir, in Lahore, levels of the most dangerous PM2.5 particles -- so tiny they can enter the bloodstream – are currently 52.6 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value.

As per the weather report, there is no chance of rain during the next 24 hours. However, the mercury level has started dropping, giving way to the feeling of nippiness in the morning.

The minimum temperature of the city was recorded 17 °C while the maximum temperature was recorded at 29  C.

A couple of days ago, Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed concern over the alarming increase in crop stubble burning in India and termed it an “environmental aggression” as toxic smog drifts to Lahore from the neighbouring country.

India is heavily reliant on polluting coal for energy generation, resisting calls to phase it out, and its per capita coal emissions have risen 29 percent in the past seven years.

Air pollution roughly causes 7 million deaths across the globe annually.

 

Reporter Komal Aslam