Lahore Records Second-Worst Air Quality Globally, Following New Delhi
Lahore, The Gulf Observer: Lahore, witnessed a slight improvement in air quality on Sunday, moving out of the “hazardous” category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 295. Despite this marginal relief, the city remains heavily impacted by air pollution, ranking as the second-most polluted city globally after being overtaken by New Delhi, which recorded an AQI of 751, according to Swiss air quality monitor IQAir.
The smog crisis, which has gripped Lahore for weeks, continues to pose significant health risks to the city’s 14 million residents. An AQI of 295 falls within the “very unhealthy” category, underscoring the persistence of harmful toxins in the air.
The situation has been exacerbated by the annual winter phenomenon of temperature inversion, which traps pollutants close to the ground. Factors contributing to Lahore’s deteriorating air quality include vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and smoke from illegal stubble burning in agricultural fields.
Authorities in Punjab have implemented extraordinary measures to mitigate the smog’s impact, but the region continues to battle the long-term effects of poor air management and environmental policies.
The smog crisis is not limited to Punjab, as South Asia struggles with worsening air pollution during the winter months. Experts emphasize the urgent need for cross-border cooperation and robust environmental reforms to combat this growing public health challenge.
