The Punjab government has issued an emergency alert for Lahore residents due to the hazardous air quality caused by smog originating from Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has urged citizens to take necessary precautions, such as wearing masks and keeping windows and doors shut, as strong winds carry pollution from these neighboring regions into the city.
Minister Aurangzeb noted that Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) saw significant improvement, dropping from a dangerously high level of 800 to 191 after the winds subsided. However, she cautioned that the situation remains critical, particularly for children and those with heart and respiratory conditions, advising them to avoid going outside.
Also Read: Maryam Aurangzeb: Lahore’s Smog Elimination Will Take 8 to 10 Years
The worsening air quality has been attributed to crop residue burning in the Indian regions, which is contributing to the pollution. The minister emphasized that the impact of strong winds has severely affected Lahore’s air quality, and the situation requires immediate attention.
In response, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has appealed to citizens to wear masks, and school timings have been adjusted to 8:45 AM to protect children from the smog. Parents are strongly advised to ensure their children wear masks to school, as part of the safety measures.
The government is also encouraging residents to report any environmental violations through the Citizen 1373 platform, in an effort to combat rising pollution levels.
