With its air quality index (AQI) recorded six times over the safe limit, Lahore has become the most polluted city in the world.
Smog has once again gripped the capital city of Punjab on Monday morning as the rank of Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached 306, according to the data compiled by IQAir, a global air quality monitor.
The other Pakistani city to make it to the top ten cities with the most toxic air was Sindh’s capital Karachi, which ranked seventh with an AQI of 168. Meanwhile, India’s cities Delhi and Mumbai came in second and fourth respectively.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency regards air quality as satisfactory if the AQI is under 50. Lahore’s AQI fell in the range of 301 and higher, which has been classified as ‘hazardous’.
Read more: Smog once again affects Lahore as AQI reaches 371
Increasing industrial activity, traffic, and reduction in trees are the main causes of air pollution. This is leading to various diseases including lung problems, hypertension, and mental illness. The smog is forcing citizens to take precautionary measures as there is no sign of a reduction in the past few days.
To reduce the smog, the provincial disaster management authority in Punjab has to date sealed 613 brick kilns, 2,148 industries, and impounded 8,579 vehicles.
The smog is caused by a lack of rain and immense pollution. Smoke from vehicles, factories, and burning of the remains of crops could one of the major factors behind the dense smog.
