LAHORE (Dunya News) – Change in weather has led to smog which has already assumed alarming proportions in Lahore.
Lahore ranked the most polluted city in the world on Wednesday as the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the alarming limit of 500. It was recorded 515 in the morning.
Earlier, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued alerts of critical levels of smog, especially in Lahore.
The AQI of several parts of the city was recorded as high as 800 which is one of the worst recorded AQI in the world.
In Gulberg, the AQI was recorded highest 822. In Model Town, DHA and American Consulate areas of Lahore, it was recorded 778, 790 and 680 respectively.
The temperature of city on Wednesday was recorded 22 to 33 degree Celsius. With the decline in temperature of the city another rise in smog level is being anticipated by the PMD in the coming weeks.
The Department of Primary and Secondary Health Care (PSHD) has also issued a health advisory regarding the hazards of the 'fifth season'.
According to the PSHD advisory, smog is composed of particulate matter (PM) Ozone (O3), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Sulfur dioxide (SO2).
It may cause diseases like asthma, Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI), stroke, Allergic Conjunctivitis and in severe cases may cause Ischemic heart disease (IHD).
A public awareness message released by the PSHD asked the patients of heart and respiratory disorders to use their medications regularly.
It asked the citizens to use face masks during outdoor visits, limit physical activity, maintain good indoor air quality, and opt for eco-friendly activities. It has also advised the farmers to refrain from burning the crop residue.
The directorate general of Public Health Services Punjab also issued guidelines regarding the smog prevention and control.
According to guidelines, the chief executive officers of District Health Authorities in Punjab should take measures to prevent and control the smog crisis.
They are advised by the directorate to establish 'smog counters', isolation rooms and the high dependency unites (HDUs) in their respective health institutions.
In order to increase the public awareness the authorities should display banners and streamers regarding smog at prominent places.
GOVT EFFORTS
The Punjab government has prohibited the burning of all types of solid waste, tyres, rubber and plastics.
The vehicles causing smoke are also banned and hundreds of vehicles already are impounded for emitting smoke.
More than 300 kilns have been demolished by authorities to prevent the spread of poisonous smoke.
It is also directed to avoid encroachments and parking which may cause hindrance in the smooth flow of traffic on public roads even on footpaths.
The transportation, storage and dumping of construction material (sand, cement and others) must be done covered and safe.
The provincial government has also ordered to keep the chronological data of all smog related patients in the prescribed format.