Smart lockdown fails as Lahore remains on top in Air Quality Index

Despite the efforts of the caretaker government of Punjab to curb smog, Lahore is still one of the most polluted cities in the world.

After three days of holidays and a smart or soft lockdown, Lahore’s hazardous smog has barely dissipated.

Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi posted an update on Saturday about the trend of smog tending towards healthier.

Thankful to witness the impact of our anti-SMOG initiatives in Lahore ! Progress is clear:

– Nov 23: AQI 454
– Nov 24: AQI 380
– Nov 25: AQI 232

Let's sustain this positive trend for healthier, cleaner air! #CMPunjab #GovtOfPunjab pic.twitter.com/T8etgxe72w

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) November 25, 2023

The average air quality index (AQI) of Lahore was recorded at 356 (hazardous) on Sunday while the maximum was 444 at 3 am.

The government completely closed vehicular traffic on Mall Road for a day but the effort seemed futile as the AQI around the road was 458 in the morning while AQI in the DHA Phase 8 was 437, in Gulberg it was 412 and in Johar Town, it stood at 402, reports Dawn.

As of today, the air quality index of Lahore was recorded at 415 (extremely hazardous) around 10 a.m. and by the evening, when this report is being filed, it is standing at 305 (hazardous).

While Mall Road was totally barricaded, some markets and shops were found open despite restrictions till 4 pm on Sunday and people were thronging food points in Liberty Market, Ichhra and Anarkali Bazaar.

Netizens criticised the Punjab government for a lack of effective steps to counter smog.

Closure of educational institutions and smart lock down nothing seem as a counter mechanism for smog in Lahore ! #Lahore #smog #climatechange pic.twitter.com/VaPiDJwZzr

— Wajju_Fahim (@Wajhullahfahim) November 27, 2023

A user posted about it being attributed to the endless construction in the city while others complained about it being lethal for citizens.

This is 10 minutes before sunset in Lahore. It’s not cloudy. This is smog. Growing up here I remember blue skies. Now we see it rarely, only after heavy rain. pic.twitter.com/8YpX39WErq

— Tesla and Doge (@TeslaAndDoge) November 26, 2023

Smog proving to be deadly for children in Lahore. What causes smog? Surely, it can't be crop burning; been happening for 100s of years.
Biggest cause is uncontrolled, needless expansion of real estate housing projects, owned & operated by state affiliated institutions & tycoons.

— Fuzail Zafar (@Fuzail_Z) November 24, 2023