Toxic smog engulfs Punjab, MET dept predicts rain at scattered places
PAQI stated that Lahore had recorded only two days of good air quality in 2017.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Most parts of Punjab including provincial capital Lahore, Sheikhupura and Kasur have been inundated with toxic smog amid non-seriousness and unsuccessful efforts by the provincial government to regulate the air quality index.
Every year, the densely populated Punjab is engulfed by toxic smog from October to November. Besides breathing issues, the toxic smog brings with it diseases like flu, allergy and eyes problem.
Read also: Lahore, Karachi among top 11 cities with worst air quality
On the other hand, Pakistan Metrological Department has predicted rain spell at scattered places in Punjab. The spell will begin from today [October 31] and will continue till Friday [November 2].
Punjab has been engulfed by smog at time when Lahore along with Sindh’s capital Karachi have been listed among top 11 cities with worst air quality by monitoring agency AirVisual.
Lahore and Karachi have been ranked number 5 and 11 respectively. India’s Mumbai, Kolkata, and New Delhi also feature in the list and occupy top three positions respectively.
Smog (mixture of smoke and fog) is a perpetual problem for Lahore. Data released by Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI) stated that provincial capital had recorded only two days of good air quality in 2017.
A US Air Quality Index has stated Pakistan’s AQI had been reached up to 332 followed by Delhi’s 208. These statistics show that the Lahore’s air quality is much unhealthy as compared to the World Health Organization’s guidelines.
An AQI between O and 50 is said to be good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor and 401 and 500 severe.
Pakistan to raise smog issue with India
Pakistan has planned to take up the issue of smog with India for corrective measures.
"We are concerned about the menace of smog coming in from across the border and will raise the issue with India through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prevent the burning of crop waste there," Adviser to Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam told a visiting delegation of European Parliamentarian.
