Lahore is battling an early smog crisis, with dangerous levels of pollution recorded in mid-October instead of the usual November onset. The Punjab government has declared smog a natural disaster, prompting immediate action to curb its impact.
October 23rd marked the worst day of the year for air quality in Lahore. A thick blanket of smog covered the city early in the morning. According to global air quality monitors, Lahore’s AQI (Air Quality Index) hit 500 overall, with certain areas surpassing 600. Model Town recorded the highest levels, with an AQI of 790. DHA Phase 8 and Shimla Hill were also highly polluted, with AQI readings of 730 and 680, respectively.
Smog in Punjab mainly stems from transportation, which accounts for 65% of the pollution, while 25% comes from industrial emissions. Crop residue burning contributes 13.9%, and other factors make up the remaining 16.1%. This toxic air has severely impacted schoolchildren and early commuters.
In response to the alarming rise in pollution, Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, launched the “Smog Control Programme.” Under this initiative, the government has targeted key sectors, such as transportation, industry, and agriculture, for immediate reforms. The Punjab Environment Protection Department also issued a set of guidelines to help combat the smog. Schools were advised to delay their start times to 8:45 AM, starting October 28 and lasting through January 31. School assemblies will now be held indoors, and outdoor activities have been suspended during this period.
To further mitigate the smog, a ban on fireworks in Lahore will remain in place until January 31, 2025. Smoke-emitting vehicles, rickshaws, and buses are being targeted in an ongoing crackdown. From October 1 to October 20, authorities fined over 2,000 vehicles and impounded 900, collecting over one million rupees in penalties.
Anti-smog squads have also been formed to educate farmers about alternative methods for disposing of crop residues. These teams discourage burning and promote the use of super seeders. Recently, operations led to the sealing of five factories for violating environmental regulations.
The police are also taking steps to control pollution. Seventy-one individuals were arrested, and 182 cases were registered for violations related to smog control. In total, 158,579 vehicles were fined across Punjab, resulting in penalties exceeding 255.5 million rupees. Lahore’s Chief Traffic Officer, Amara Athar, stated that 30 million rupees in fines were issued to vehicles contributing to pollution. Additionally, 533 vehicles deemed unfit for the roads had their fitness certificates revoked.
These coordinated efforts aim to reduce smog levels and protect public health. However, ongoing vigilance and further public cooperation are essential as Lahore continues to combat this environmental crisis.
