Pollution in Pakistan has reached critical levels, with the city of Lahore experiencing hazardous air quality conditions that threaten the health of millions. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore recently crossed 1,000, far exceeding the "hazardous" threshold of 300, prompting government officials to take emergency measures to protect residents, particularly children.
Compare Lahore's AQI with Delhi's AQI. Delhi's AQI drastically deteriorates to Poor (201–300), Severe (301–400), or Hazardous (401–500+) levels during October to February due to various factors. However, Lahore's AQI is significantly more hazardous than that of Delhi.
Lahore's Air Quality Index Surpasses 1,000
Recent data from IQAir shows that Lahore's AQI exceeded 1,000, a level considered dangerous to human health. The Punjab provincial government also reported AQI values over 1,000 on Sunday, which officials described as “unprecedented.” Jahangir Anwar, a senior environmental protection officer in Lahore, explained the urgency of the situation: “The weather forecast for the next six days shows that the wind pattern will remain the same. So we are closing all public and private primary schools in Lahore for a week.”
Emergency School Closures to Protect Children
In response to the dangerously high pollution levels, Lahore's government announced that all primary schools, both public and private, would be closed for a week. This decision affects all classes for children up to the age of 10, including special education facilities. The closure, in effect from Monday to Saturday, will be reassessed at the end of the week to determine if it should be extended.
Impact of Pollution on Lahore's Population
Lahore, a bustling city of 1.4 crore residents, has been enveloped in a thick layer of smog for several days. The current pollution crisis results from a combination of factors, including emissions from low-grade diesel vehicles, smoke from seasonal stubble burning, and winter fog that traps pollutants in the atmosphere. These pollutants accumulate and linger, creating a persistent health hazard for those exposed.
Steps Forward in Addressing Lahore's Air Quality Crisis
Officials hope that the school closures will protect young children from the severe health risks associated with such high levels of pollution. However, longer-term solutions will be needed to address the root causes of the city’s air quality issues, which continue to jeopardize public health and daily life. The government has announced plans to monitor the situation closely and may extend preventive measures if pollution levels do not decrease.
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