Lahore tops world’s most polluted cities list as AQI hits ‘hazardous’ levels

Lahore’s air quality reached hazardous levels on Monday, with the city recording an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 501, while several neighbourhoods reported readings exceeding 600.

According to Swiss air quality monitoring group IQAir, Lahore remained the world’s most polluted city on Monday, with an AQI of 563, categorised as hazardous.

Burki Road emerged as one of the worst-affected areas, recording an AQI of 916. The reading in the Center for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP) area stood at 812, while Allama Iqbal Town recorded 613 and Askari 10 registered 555.

Delhi’s air quality worsens after Diwali

Meanwhile, air quality deteriorated in India’s capital, New Delhi, after residents celebrated the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, with fireworks despite court restrictions.

At 9am on Monday, Delhi recorded an AQI of 370, categorised as ‘very poor’ by India’s Central Pollution Control Board. Several areas in the city of around 20 million people recorded readings above 400, falling into the ‘severe’ category.

India’s Supreme Court had earlier ruled that only certified low-polluting firecrackers could be used during restricted hours over the Diwali weekend.

Residents in Delhi and Mumbai reported fireworks continuing until late at night.

Footage from Reuters TV showed a layer of smog enveloping India Gate, a prominent landmark in central Delhi near government offices and parliament.

Delhi has experienced poor air quality for more than a week. Authorities imposed restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan on Friday, including asking schools to switch to online classes.

Air pollution is an annual problem across parts of northern India as colder winter conditions trap vehicle emissions, construction dust and smoke from crop waste burning.

— With additional input from Reuters.