Lahore ranked second among the world’s most polluted cities on Tuesday, with an overall Air Quality Index of 199, described as hazardous to health. Readings reached 299 in Allama Iqbal Town, 263 on Barki Road and 244 at the Civil Secretariat, while the Meteorological Department forecast no rain in the next 24 hours.
Separately, a petition filed in the Lahore High Court sought urgent action on Punjab’s worsening smog, citing an AQI of 340 in Lahore and 500 in Shahdara on 23 October. The petition blamed vehicle emissions, stubble burning, industrial pollution, construction dust, waste burning and loss of tree cover, and asked for a Smog and Climate Task Force under the chief secretary.
In the past 24 hours, Punjab authorities inspected 64 industrial units, sealed one, issued notices to two and fined others, using drones in the operation. For residents, the combination of still air and no rain means masks, limited outdoor exertion and care for children and the elderly remain the practical precautions this week.
Sources: The Nation, Dawn. Written in our own words for information only.