https://arab.news/nu3d6
- Authorities attribute the current spike in toxic air levels to both local pollution, contaminants drifting from across the border
- Punjab Environment Protection Agency institutes new enforcement regime to counter the problem, focusing on agricultural burning
LAHORE: A blanket of toxic smog shrouded Lahore on Sunday, pushing the city’s air quality to near-emergency levels, despite environmental authorities announcing a significant escalation in their efforts to penalize polluters.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) for the eastern Pakistani city spiked to 388 at 9am local time (0400 GMT), placing the pollution in the “Hazardous” category and renewing health concerns for millions of residents.
Authorities have attributed the current spike in the toxic air level to both local pollution and contaminants drifting from across the border.
“During smog season, the East Corridor opens, allowing Indian winds from the northeast to bring pollutants into Lahore,” said Sajid Bashir, Project Director at Punjab Environment Protection Agency.
“The recent Diwali celebrations have clearly had an impact, with migrated smog adding to our local problem.”
To counter local pollution, the department has instituted a strict new enforcement regime, focusing on agricultural burning.
“The Environment Department has, for the first time, formed quick response forces, equipped with state-of-the-art vehicles, to be present in the field round the clock,” Bashir confirmed, adding that they would “immediately extinguish” any instances of stubble burning.
Bashir also warned that farmers engaged in illegal burning face immediate prosecution, including “filing a First Information Report, arrest, and a fine.”