Punjab Declares Smog Emergency in Lahore and Multan

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Punjab Declares Smog Emergency in Lahore and Multan

The drastic deterioration in the smog situation in Punjab has made the government declare a health emergency in Lahore and Multan, the two worst-hit cities, as their authorities went about continuing efforts to curtail air pollution and its impact on public health.

Punjab Declares Health Emergency in Smog-affected Lahore and Multan

It retained the unwanted title of the world's most polluted city in terms of air pollution, while Multan has the worst air quality in all the cities of Pakistan, reported a Swiss group IQ Air.

Senior Minister for Information and Environment Protection Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday further extended the orders regarding the closure of schools in smog-hit areas across the province.

"The schools are going to be closed for another week due to the deteriorating air quality," she said while addressing a press conference.

She added that classes in colleges and universities will also be conducted online for students' safety.

Pakistan's largest city, with 14 million inhabitants and factories galore on the Indian frontier — regularly features on the world's most polluted cities lists. But this month, it has been at a record high that has forced authorities to take extraordinary measures to fight off smog.

As Punjab battles its way to beating air pollution at the advent of winter season, the capitals of the province of Punjab recorded AQI at a lowly abysmal figure of 732 this morning before it improved to 669 at 1 pm of the day today. Says IQAir, the Switzerland-based air quality technology company.

The prevailing smog situation has been so severe that the government has called for drastic measures such as closures and switch to online classes and ban most of the outdoor activities till November 17 in eight districts engulfed by toxic air.

Besides that, the government ordered to close all the dining in restaurants, shops, markets, and shopping malls by 8 pm.

Still, the persistent thick smog has resulted in extending the school closures and has declared a health emergency.

Meanwhile, the eateries in Lahore and Multan have been asked to remain open till 4 pm. The restaurants would be closed and are also permitted to accept only takeaway orders till 8 pm.

"A complete lockdown would be imposed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The authorities are still closely monitoring the further deteriorating smog situation. "

"The data would be reviewed till Wednesday, and then the decisions will be made," said the minister.

She said the government is also imposing a ban on construction activities in the two cities from this Saturday until next Sunday with the aim to reduce further pollution.

LHC urges long-term smog control policy

Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has emphasized the adoption of a long-term smog control policy. It has been of the view that the government should come up with a plan at least for 10 years.

Justice Shahid Karim conducted the hearing on the petitions relating to smog mitigation, and Advocate General Punjab Khalid Ishaq appeared in the court.

The court during the course of the proceedings directed the Advocate General to discuss an all-rounded smog control policy with the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz on his return and to impress upon her the need for a ten years' course of action.

The advocate general informed the court that a budget has been allocated for introducing electric buses in Punjab, which are expected to operate by June next year.

Khalid Ishaq updated the court on further developments in the wave of activities to rid the country of flood-related situations, conservation of rain water, and dealing with the progressive rise in ground temperatures. He mentioned that the practice of urban forestry has already commenced and a report in this regard would be presented before the court by March.

The Court directed the government to study the Beijing model for improvement in the environmental situation and share thoughts with regard to it.

The court highly appreciated the government initiatives and recommended declaring a prohibition on making residential societies on agricultural lands. It also suggested planting more water-efficient trees and making the installation of a water treatment plant essential for 10-marla houses.

The court has directed reports on the implementation of smog control measures and sent the case to next week.

About 2 million are affected by this smog.

The drastic deterioration of air quality in the smog-hit regions has caused an increased amount of health issues, including eye and throat infections and respiratory diseases.

According to the Punjab Health Department, more than 1.9 million visited hospitals during October because of health issues caused by smog. According to its report, most were suffering from respiratory issues, asthma, heart diseases, and strokes.

In Lahore alone, 119,533 patients received asthma diagnosis, while 13,773 cases of heart disorders were registered during the month of October. On the other hand, it has been reported that 5,184 stroke cases have been registered in Punjab.

In addition, the department added that the poor air quality may lead to more health issues if the present situation does not change in the near future.

Besides ensuring face masks, the authorities have asked people to limit going out of their homes and not open their windows or doors.

Most parts of South Asia are clouded by a toxic haze every winter as cold air traps dust, emissions, and smoke from farm fires.

Punjab has blamed its toxic air this year on pollution wafting in from India, where northern parts have also been battling hazardous air, and has said it will take the issue up with the neighboring country through its foreign ministry.