In response to the deteriorating air quality in Lahore, Pakistan’s senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb addressed the issue during a press conference Sunday, stating, “the wind from India towards Lahore is exacerbating the smog levels to dangerous levels.”
Pakistan’s Punjab Minister Aurangzeb, who is responsible for the environment portfolio in the Cabinet, announced that they will be writing to the Foreign Office on Monday to address the issue with New Delhi. The purpose of this correspondence is to initiate discussions on collaborative efforts aimed at reducing smog pollution.
This follows Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s recent suggestion last week to approach the Indian Punjab Chief Minister about forming a united front against the smog.
The AQI in Lahore reached a record high over the weekend, peaking at 1900 near the Pakistan-India border on Saturday, according to data released by the provincial government and the Swiss group IQAir. The concentration of PM 2.5, or tiny particulate matter, in the air approached hazardous levels, reaching 450, as reported by the Punjab Environment Protection Department.
The minister attributed the increase in air quality index (AQI) to the easterly winds originating from Amritsar and Chandigarh, stating that these winds were expected to persist and blow towards Lahore for at least the next week. “The wind from India towards Lahore is exacerbating the smog to hazardous levels, and it is anticipated that this wind direction will continue for the next week,” she explained. “Individuals are advised to take precautions by limiting their outdoor activities, especially the elderly and children, who are particularly vulnerable.”
Primary schools in closed for a week due to Increase in Lahore AQI
Additionally, authorities in Pakistan have mandated the closure of primary schools in Lahore for a week beginning Monday.
In response to the worsening air quality index and in accordance with the order dated March 11, 2024, issued by the Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency Punjab, exercising powers under the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997, it has been announced that all classes up to the 5th grade in both public and private schools located in Lahore will be closed for one week, starting from November 4, 2024, until November 11, 2024 (Saturday).
In a recent announcement, the government has mandated that individuals in Lahore are required to wear face masks. Additionally, as part of a “green lockdown” initiative, 50% of employees are being directed to work from home. The use of motorized rickshaws has also been limited. Wedding halls are mandated to close their doors by 10 pm. Furthermore, artificial rain is expected to be utilized to mitigate the pollution levels.
