SOPs tightened for Lahore’s open air restaurants

LAHORE: The environmental department has tightened restrictions on Lahore’s open-air BBQ restaurants and issued new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to combat smog.

Open BBQs at restaurants in Lahore have been identified as a major contributor to the city’s worsening smog.

To address this issue, the Punjab Environmental Protection Department has issued new SOPs, mandating stricter measures for Lahore’s open air BBQ restaurants and set-up.

According to Imran Hameed, Director General of the Environmental Protection Department Punjab, restaurants with open BBQs must now use proper chimneys and exhaust systems to control smoke emissions.

Smog war room established as conditions worsen in Lahore

Additionally, BBQ hoods should be equipped with filters to effectively reduce smoke.

The installation of wet showering systems at BBQ sites has also been made mandatory to further minimize pollution in the air.

These restrictions will be in effect from November 20 until January 31, 2025.

RED ALERT ISSUED FOR LAHORE

The Punjab Environment Department has declared a ‘red alert’ for Lahore due to a significant increase in smog expected over the next few days.

The Met Office has forecast a noticeable rise in smog levels from November 6 to 8, prompting urgent health warnings for residents.

Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) stood at an alarming 261 around 10:00 AM, with pollutant levels exceeding World Health Organization guidelines by 42.8 times and making the city the world’s most polluted.

Specific areas are experiencing even more severe conditions, with Gulberg recording an AQI of 515, Defence Phase 8 at 424, and DHA Phase 5 at 416.