Lahore topped a list of the world’s polluted cities on Thursday, as air pollution engulfed central and southern parts of Punjab with the arrival of winter. Authorities are working hard to contain the smog across the province’s cities.
Air quality readings across Punjab on Thursday
The air quality index recorded 536 at Raiwind, while particulate matter reached 460 in Lahore’s Kahna area. Sargodha logged 418, Bahawalpur 380, Multan 374, Faisalabad 371 and Gujranwala 367.
Causes of smog and government measures
Lahore’s smog is a mix of fog and pollutants, linked to low-grade diesel fumes and smoke from seasonal agricultural burning as temperatures fall. At one point, air pollution in the city rose to more than 80 times the level the World Health Organization considers hygienic.
In response, the government closed schools and restricted opening hours for eateries, other businesses and markets. The aim was to protect the public from toxic pollution and related health problems.
