LAHORE: Air pollution in Lahore has reached alarming levels as smog continues to intensify, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 273, placing it second on the list of the world’s most polluted cities.
According to the report, winds are blowing from the northwest at a speed of 5 kilometres per hour. Authorities are continuing anti-smog measures, including operating smog guns and sprinkling water on roads to reduce air pollution.
Over the past 24 hours, authorities have also intensified enforcement against violations of environmental regulations on the directions of the Punjab chief minister.
A total of 258 industrial units were inspected in Lahore. Five units were sealed, while fines amounting to Rs10.3 million were imposed.
Similarly, 452 brick kilns were inspected. Three were demolished, four were sealed, and cases were registered against four others. Fines totalling Rs700,000 were also imposed.
As part of the crackdown on plastic use, officials inspected 153 locations, sealed three premises and confiscated 1,462 kilogrammes of plastic. Fines amounting to Rs65,000 were imposed in these cases.
Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb urged farmers not to burn crop residue and called on citizens to ensure their vehicles meet fitness standards.
She emphasised that vehicle emissions are harmful to both human health and the environment.
