Pakistan’s Lahore Shuts Schools, Offices, and Parks Amid Hazardous Air Pollution
Published on: November 10, 2023.
Filed under:
Toxic Air Forces Lahore to Shut Down: Pakistan’s second-most populous city, Lahore, experienced a shutdown due to hazardous air quality. CNN reported that the air quality index (AQI) in the city spiked to over 400, a level considered “hazardous” by IQAir, a Swiss air tracking company. As a result, schools, public parks, malls, and offices were closed to protect the health of residents.
The Chief Minister of Punjab province, Mohsin Naqvi, declared an “environmental and health emergency” in three cities: Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Lahore. The government imposed restrictions on the movement of people to and from these areas, allowing only limited public and private transport. Naqvi’s office stated that gatherings of more than four people in one place were also prohibited.
The toxic haze and poor air quality were caused by a combination of factors. Colder temperatures trapped pollution particles, exacerbating the situation. Additionally, farmers practicing the traditional method of burning rice stubble after the winter harvest contributed to the smog. Vehicular and industrial pollution further added to the problem.
On Thursday, the concentration of PM 2.5, tiny particulate matter, in the air reached near 450 in Lahore, which is 30 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended maximum average daily exposure. This level of pollution is considered hazardous to human health. However, there was some relief on Friday when rain showers helped decrease the air pollution.
It is crucial for the authorities to address the causes of air pollution in Lahore and take immediate measures to improve the situation. Strict regulations on burning rice stubble and controlling vehicular and industrial emissions are necessary to ensure the long-term health and well-being of the city’s residents.
Source: [LatestLY](https://www.latestly.com)
