Deteriorating air quality sparks concern in twin cities

ISLAMABAD: As the smog season takes hold, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the twin cities has reached alarming levels, raising concerns for residents.

On Friday morning, the AQI soared to 142, with the current PM2.5 concentration in Islamabad measuring 68, which is 4.5 times above the recommended limit as per the WHO’s 24-hour air quality guidelines. Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, the AQI was recorded at 152.

The smog season, which commenced on November 1, is anticipated to persist until February 28, further exacerbating air quality issues.

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This surge in smog has led to a rise in respiratory ailments, including coughing, flu, and influenza among the residents of the twin cities.

In response to the deteriorating air quality, a smog emergency has been declared in schools and rural areas throughout the Rawalpindi Division.

Local authorities, including the district administration and the Environment Protection Department, are anxiously awaiting rain as a potential remedy for the escalating air pollution crisis.

Unfortunately, the region has seen minimal rainfall in the past month, resulting in areas such as Rawalpindi’s suburbs, Adiala Road, Chakri Road, Rawat, Saham, Sihala, and Kahutta Road being enveloped in a blanket of smog.