Lahore tops global pollution charts; Indian crop burning adds to smog

LAHORE: Lahore has remained the world’s most polluted city for four consecutive days, with air quality plunging to hazardous levels and the Air Quality Index (AQI), hitting 412 at one point, according to the Swiss air quality monitor IQAir.

Authorities have issued health warnings and launched a province-wide crackdown on pollution sources.

According to IQAir, the city’s AQI (Air Quality Index) stood at 329 at around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28, classified as “hazardous.” Earlier in the morning, it had peaked at 424, while PM2.5, the most dangerous particulate matter, reached 287 µg/m³, far exceeding safe limits.

Karachi ranked third globally with an AQI of 174 (“unhealthy”), while New Delhi was second with an AQI of 276 (“very unhealthy”). In response to worsening conditions, the Punjab government has revised school timings, with classes now beginning at 8:45 a.m.

The deteriorating air quality coincides with the onset of winter, when stagnant winds, lower temperatures, and emissions from vehicles, industries, and crop burning trap pollutants near the ground.

Environmental experts suspect that part of the pollution is driven by smoke originating from the industrial and agricultural regions of Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Haryana. Crop residue burning in these areas has significantly increased PM2.5 and PM10 levels, worsening smog conditions across the region.

Each winter, South Asia typically faces a sharp spike in smog due to these combined factors. Health experts warn that exposure to such high pollution levels can cause stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses. Residents have been advised to wear masks and limit outdoor activities, especially during the mornings and evenings.

The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high alert across multiple districts including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Faisalabad, Multan, and Rahim Yar Khan.

“The intensity of smog is expected to increase from November to mid-December,” said Director PDMA Hameedullah Malik, speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, citing meteorological forecasts. Authorities have imposed a comprehensive ban on burning crop residues, solid waste, tires, plastic, and rubber. Legal action will be taken against violators.

Tech-Driven Crackdown

The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has intensified monitoring with drone cameras to identify pollution sources in industrial and agricultural areas. Over the past 48 hours, more than 756 violations were detected, according to PSCA.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change is promoting sustainable farming. At a seminar in Kabirwala, farmers were trained to manage rice stubble without burning. Officials highlighted that crop residue can be converted into energy through biomass plants, turning waste into a resource.

“Smog is a serious environmental and public health issue, requiring collective and coordinated efforts,” said Project Coordinator Dr. Younus Zahid.

Citizens have been urged to report smog-inducing activities on the emergency helpline 15. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said nine departments are conducting joint operations. Environmental protection squads are deployed in the field, brick kilns are monitored via drones, and AQI forecasting has been introduced for the first time in Punjab to enable early interventions, including high powered anti-smog guns deployed by environment protection agency (EPA). The minister added that combating smog was not possible without the cooperation of the masses.

She asked people, especially children and aged, to avoid stepping out of their homes after 8 at night. “Already a ban is in place on all types of outdoor activities at schools,” she added.

Local Innovation Offers Solutions

Engineers at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) have developed an anti-smog gun with a 40-meter range designed to suppress dust and air pollution.

Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, UET Vice Chancellor Professor Munir said the system will be particularly effective at construction sites, stone-crushing plants, and mining operations, major contributors to particulate pollution.