Punjab Government Takes Action Against Smog Conditions with Park Shutdowns

LAHORE: The Punjab government has taken a major step to combat the hazardous smog conditions in the province. It has shut down amusement parks and museums for 10 days, from November 8 to 17, ARY News reported.

As per details, the districts affected by this ban include Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Gujarat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Chiniot, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh.

Additionally, Lodhran, Vehari, and Khanewal districts are also under the smog-related restrictions.

Earlier today, reports revealed that air pollution in Pakistan reached alarming levels, with seven cities topping the list of the world’s most polluted cities.

Multan takes the unfortunate lead with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 2,135, followed closely by Lahore at 676.

Meteorologists expect the situation to deteriorate further next week, predicting worsening smog conditions due to low wind speeds of 11km/h around Lahore and 7km/h near Multan.

Multan: AQI score of 2,135
Lahore: AQI score of 676
Peshawar: hazardous air quality
Islamabad: hazardous air quality
Haripur: hazardous air quality
Rawalpindi: hazardous air quality
Karachi: hazardous air quality

Also See: When Air Turns Toxic: Lahore, Delhi, and the Smog Diplomacy

Punjab Enforces SOPs

Yesterday, the Punjab government made a decision to put into action revised SOPs aimed at controlling emissions from outdoor cooking stations and barbecue grills, as the average Air Quality Index in Lahore has exceeded hazardous levels.

According to details, notice issued by Punjab Environmental Protection (EPA) Director General Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, these SOPs will take effect in the Lahore district from November 20, 2024, until January 31, 2025.

The Health Advisory System for Critical Air Pollution Events (HAS-CAPES) was established on December 13, 2022. Subsequently, it held its first meeting of the Provincial CAPEs Committee (PCC) on October 21, 2024. During this meeting, members confirmed that a Critical Air Pollution Event has occurred in Lahore. This confirmation comes in light of the current elevated levels of the Air Quality Index (AQI).

This news is sourced from ARY News and is intended for informational purposes only.