Air quality still unhealthy, index reaches 174

LAHORE:The Air Quality Index (AQI) of the provincial metropolis reached 174, which was termed unhealthy here on Tuesday. Data collected from IQAir revealed that PM2.5 concentrations in Lahore were currently 17.7 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value.

It said the highest AQI was recorded at Sundar Raiwind where it was 229, CERP Office (199), Syed Maratib Ali Road (188), Polo Ground Cantt (186), University of Management and Technology (181), VTS (177), WWF-PAKISTAN (177), Climate Finance Pakistan HQ (176), Lahore American School (175) and Phase VIII-DHA (175).

Meanwhile, Met officials said continental air was prevailing over most parts of the county. They predicted that cold and dry weather was expected in most parts of the country. Smog/fog (in patches) was likely to prevail in isolated plain areas of Punjab and upper Sindh during morning/night.

Tuesday’s minimum temperature was recorded at Leh, where mercury dropped to -07°C, while in Lahore, it was 12.5°C and maximum was 27°C.

Meanwhile, senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb held a meeting with a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to discuss comprehensive measures to combat smog.

The delegation was led by Emma Xiaonqin. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on regulations, action plans, technology, infrastructure and short, medium and long-term projects aimed at addressing smog.

Marriyum stated that over the past eight months, all Punjab institutions have been actively engaged in tackling smog and climate change. Under the Multi-Sectoral Action Plan, strict action is being taken against violations of smog regulations, and the Environmental Protection Department has been equipped with modern technology. Six AQI monitors have already been installed to measure smog, with 30 more set to be installed soon. Additionally, experts are being sent to Beijing for training in e-vehicle technology. To address crop burning, farmers are being provided super seeders at a 60% subsidy, and factories are receiving financial and technical support to install emission control systems.

She further highlighted that smog has been included in school curricula, and universities have initiated research and studies on the issue. As part of the efforts, 800 brick kilns have been demolished to facilitate their conversion to modern zigzag technology. A ban has been imposed on plastic usage, vehicle fitness certifications have been made mandatory, and a smog observatory along with digital monitoring has been established. She emphasised that resolving the smog issue requires long-term commitment, with at least 10 years of consistent efforts. Eastern wind patterns and pollution from across the border were identified as major contributors to the severity of smog. The delegation appreciated the Punjab govt’s initiatives and assured full support for long, medium, and short-term projects.