Lahore’s air quality plummets to hazardous levels as AQI surpasses 1,000

LAHORE: Lahore’s air quality plummeted into a crisis, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to an alarming 1,067.

The World Air Quality Index Project reported “extremely unhealthy levels”, posing huge health risks to 14.4 million residents.

Read more: Lahore continues to grapple with severe air pollution

The sudden spike in the pollution levels is attributed to the Diwali celebrations in neighbouring New Delhi, India. Widespread use of fireworks occurred despite a ban by the Indian government.

Strong winds from India brought heavy smoke from agricultural burning into Lahore, worsening the already critical air quality.

Local meteorologists predict that the dense smog will persist for at least the next 48 hours hours.

Officials have issued urgent warnings to the resident, declaring emergency conditions that could affect the entire population. Health experts advised children and the elderly in particular to stay in-doors, while those suffering from pre-existing respiratory issues to avoid outdoor activities.

The provincial environmental protection agency imposed several new restrictions to combat the smog, including ban on certain vehicles, halting construction activities, and prohibiting open-fire cooking.

Government and private sectors, both, were asked to work remotely to help reduce emissions.

Read more: Smog persists: Lahore ranks tenth in global pollution index

Lahore’s air quality crisis stems from several different factors, including low-quality diesel emissions, smoke from seasonal agricultural burning, and dry winter weather conditions that trap pollutants near the ground.