LAHORE: In response to worsening air quality, Punjab’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a smog war room on Tuesday to tackle the escalating smog crisis in Lahore. The committee includes officials from multiple departments, such as the EPA, Agriculture Department, SUPARCO, Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC), Transport Department, and local government representatives.
The war room’s tasks involve reviewing weather and air quality forecasts and monitoring the actions of field officers. Daily advisories will be issued upon approval by the Director General of Environment, Imran Hamid Sheikh.
As of Tuesday morning, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hit a hazardous level of 666, with levels above 301 deemed dangerous for all. The AQI has since dropped to 297, still categorized as very unhealthy.
To protect vulnerable groups, the EPA has enforced mandatory leave for students with respiratory, cardiac, or other illnesses in Lahore’s special education centers. Other measures include work-from-home mandates, school closures, and construction bans. The public is also advised to limit outdoor activities and avoid unnecessary travel to reduce vehicle pollution.
Despite a ban on rickshaws to control emissions, reports indicate many remain on the roads. Additionally, many pedestrians are not adhering to mask advisories issued by the government.
