Smog eases slightly in Punjab, Lahore slips to second in global AQI index

Amid artificial rain by Punjab government in various areas of Jhelum, Chakwal and Gojar Khan as well as enforcement drive by the government, Punjab has witnessed some improvement in air quality, with Lahore slipping to the second position on the global pollution index.

However, the provincial capital remains heavily affected by smog, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 294 on Sunday morning. Multan ranked second on the national index with an AQI of 256, followed by Rawalpindi at 188 and Peshawar at 170. 

India is leading in AQI index in smog as New Delhi has a score of 601, Lahore is second with a score of 247 and Cairo is ranked third with a score of 187. 

Dense smog continued to affect visibility and travel across the province, leading to the closure of several motorways, including the M2 (Lahore to Kot Momin), M3 (Lahore to Darkhana), M4 (Pindi Bhattian to Multan), and M5 (Multan to Sukkur). The National Highway remained partially blocked in areas like Lahore, Manga Mandi, Pattoki, Renala Khurd, Okara, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, and Mian Channu, disrupting traffic flow. 

Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has intensified its crackdown on smog-related violations. Over the past 24 hours, 49 cases were registered, and 18 individuals were arrested in various districts, including Lahore. Authorities also fined 641 offenders more than Rs 1.2 million and issued 151 warnings. The violations included nine instances of crop residue burning, 556 cases of smoke-emitting vehicles, three incidents of industrial emissions, and 37 violations by brick kilns.

EPD Secretary Raja Jahangir Anwar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating pollution. “We are taking strict action against violators of anti-smog measures, irrespective of their influence. No one will be spared,” he stated. 

In Rawalpindi, the administration has also ramped up efforts, suspending classes in government and private schools until November 24. Officials have vowed strict action against violators of these orders. 

The operation to prevent smog in Lahore continues in full force, the entry of big vehicles and trucks that spread smoke in Lahore is still banned. The joint operation team to prevent smog includes officials from the Environment Protection Department, Regional Transport Authority and Traffic Police. In order to prevent smog, the entry of large vehicles into Lahore is strictly prohibited. Large vehicles were barred from entering Lahore, and cargo vehicles carrying construction materials were heavily checked. Checking of vehicles at entry points in Lahore is going on round the clock without interruption. Ban on entry of dumpers and large vehicles is helping to bring down the smog index. Ban on construction, strict implementation of the SOP for transporting construction materials under cover, many vehicles fined. 

Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said change in the winds has reduced the smog in various areas of Punjab. She said, “Punjab government will continue its efforts to curb sources of smog. Provincial Minister said, “every citizen's cooperation is necessary to prevent smog. The efforts of EPA, Police, Transport, Punjab Government in the field are commendable, Maryam Aurangzeb said. She said the officers and staff members of every department that plays a role in eradicating smog is the hero. 

Maryam Aurangzeb said taking difficult decisions in difficult situations is need of the hour to protect people's lives and health. She advised the public not to leave your house unnecessarily and ensured use of mask before leaving the houses for routine work.