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LAHORE, Nov 16 (APP): Lahore’s air quality showed an unexpected improvement on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 159, though it still remained classified as “unhealthy” by international standards.
According to data from IQAir, the concentration of PM2.5 was found to be 13.4 times higher than the World Health Organization’s annual guideline for particulate matter.
A senior official from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) attributed the improvement to several key factors, marking a significant achievement in controlling local pollution. The official explained that polluted air from neighboring India had not entered the city, thanks to winds blowing at 8 km/h from the northwest to the southeast. However, the major contributor to the drop in pollution levels was the successful implementation of the EPA’s strict action plan.
The official credited 24/7 monitoring by the EPA, along with continuous industrial inspections and search operations, for the significant reduction in pollution. Over 800 smoke-emitting vehicles were removed from the roads, and fines were substantially increased. Additionally, strict checks were conducted on brick kilns, factories, and commercial units, with many units sealed for non-compliance.
The government also maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards the open burning of crop residue and waste in public spaces. Complementing these efforts were mechanical road washing, water sprinkling, and the implementation of a robust traffic management plan, all of which played a positive role in improving the city’s environmental conditions.
Despite these efforts, the AQI remains a concern, and officials continue to work towards further reducing pollution levels to improve public health and safety.