Punjab announces easing of smog restrictions as air quality improves

LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced relaxation of smog restrictions amid signs of improvement in air quality in Lahore and other cities in the province.

According to the notification issued by DG Environment Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, construction work has been allowed in four districts, including Lahore, while the kilns will also be allowed to operate in zigzag technology.

Moreover, government and private offices were also allowed to operate with 100% staff. The decision will be applicable to Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan and Faisalabad.

The notification also stated that heavy traffic will be allowed to enter the districts from Monday to Thursday.

The decision to close shops, markets and shopping malls at 8 p.m. in all four districts has been maintained, eating in restaurants indoors and outdoors will be possible until 10 p.m., and barbecuing without a hood installed will be prohibited.

Air quality in Lahore showed signs of improvement as the air quality index (AQI) dipped below 300 on Sunday and continued to remain at that level on Monday.

The easing of conditions marks a positive change in the metropolis, which has been engulfed in smog for almost a month, dropping to fourth place in the rankings of the world’s most polluted cities, which it previously dominated.

On Monday around 9:30 a.m. in the provincial capital, the AQI index was recorded at 267, which is the fourth worst air quality in the world, and the content of air pollutants (PM2.5) was 191.8, which is 38.4 times higher than the annual value World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guideline.

This seasonal battle against air pollution in Punjab is exacerbated by cold, heavy air that traps dust, smoke and emissions, especially from farm fires.

Last week, authorities in Lahore and Multan reopened schools after being closed for more than a week due to dangerous levels of pollution. Students were instructed to wear masks, and outdoor sports activities were suspended in all educational institutions.

Breathing toxic air has devastating health effects, and the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that long-term exposure can cause strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases.