The provincial metropolis recorded an average AQI of 291 on Sunday, placing it in the “very unhealthy” category.
According to IQAir data, the PM2.5 concentration was 28.4 times higher than the World Health Organization’s annual guideline.
In the provincial capital Lahore, due to the increase in pollution due to northwesterly winds, the Punjab government has decided to further provide timely awareness to the citizens, while further tightening the anti-smog measures.
According to EPA sources, on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, all institutions have been directed to be active in the field 24/7 and steps are being taken on a scientific basis to control air pollution.
A complete record of pollution coming from industrial cities is being compiled through scientific mapping, while clear improvement is expected in the coming days due to government measures.
According to the Environment Department sources, the inflow of pollution has definitely increased due to northwesterly winds, but there is no relaxation in government regulations.
The operations of drone surveillance and ground teams have been further intensified to prevent crop residue burning. On the instructions of the Chief Minister, real-time data sharing, warning system and quick response units have been further strengthened, smog control machinery, water bowsers and inspection teams have also been put on high alert in Lahore.
The government has directed citizens, especially the vulnerable, to avoid unnecessary outings, increase the use of masks, drink plenty of water and immediately consult the nearest hospital in case of difficulty in breathing.
Senior provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb says that the Punjab government is implementing the most comprehensive anti-smog plan in the region and the situation will further improve with public cooperation.
The Environment Protection Department has stopped two buses of the Punjab University for emitting higher quantity of smoke.
According to sources, the action regarding the stopping of the buses has been taken under the orders of the Lahore High Court. The department said that both the buses of Punjab University that were stopped were emitting smoke and the staff did not even have an environmental fitness certificate. They said legal action has been initiated against the stopped buses under the Environment Act.
The Lahore authorities are actively fining and taking strict action against smoky vehicles as part of an intensified anti-smog campaign, issuing thousands of challans (fines) and impounding vehicles, with penalties including heavy fines, while suspension of fitness certificates, impacting public and private transport to combat severe air pollution during smog season.
Lahore experienced dry and cold weather on Sunday, and similar conditions are expected on Monday.
MET officials said continental air was dominating most parts of the country. They forecast cold and dry weather across much of the country, with very cold conditions likely in northern areas during the morning and night. Smog – along with patchy fog during night and morning hours – is expected to persist over the plain areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.