Smog has engulfed Lahore as air pollution reached "severe" levels in parts of Punjab's capital city.
The smog engulfed Lahore as the city ranked as the second most polluted.
The city is ranked as the second-most polluted city in the world. The AQI in Lahore Cantt was recorded at 562. The AQI in Gulberg was recorded at 471.
The metrological department had predicted that the smog would intensify in the coming days due to the dry weather.
– Doctor's advise –
Smog a combination of smoke and fog, contains a mixture of pollutants that can be harmful to respiratory health.
Asthmatics and smokers are indeed more vulnerable to the adverse effects of smog due to their compromised lung function and increased sensitivity to air pollutants.
Dr Irfan Malik's statements highlight the seriousness of the issue. The intensified smog had led to an increase in the number of patients with respiratory issues, including exacerbations of asthma and other smoking-related health problems.
To mitigate the risks associated with smog, Dr Malik had recommended several important measures:
Wearing masks: Citizens are advised to wear masks to reduce their exposure to the pollutants in smog. Masks can help filter out some of the harmful particles and chemicals present in the air.
Flu and Pneumonia Vaccination: Getting vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia is crucial, as respiratory infections can further compromise lung function and worsen symptoms in asthmatics and smokers. Vaccination can help prevent these infections.
Carry emergency medicines: Asthmatics are encouraged to carry their emergency inhalers or other prescribed medications with them at all times. Being prepared with these medications can make a significant difference during smog-related exacerbations of their condition.
It's important for individuals with asthma and smokers to take these precautions seriously, especially during periods of increased smog. Additionally, everyone should stay informed about air quality levels and follow local health advisories to minimise their exposure to smog and protect their respiratory health.
– Calamity –
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Wednesday declared smog a calamity in Punjab.
PDMA Director Nazia Jabeen had penned a letter to the administration. The district administration had been urged to take immediate steps to control the smog in the province.
The PDMA stated, “All the deputy commissioners had been handed over the authority of the relief commissioner’’.
The administration has been urged to stop all the initiatives that are leading to smog in the province. The burning of crop residue has been banned.
The PDMA had directed the administration to launch a crackdown against vehicles that emit smoke.
– Environmental agency declared –
In a decisive move to address the deepening smog crisis, the caretaker Punjab government led by Syed Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday declared an environmental emergency in the province.
The emergency was announced during a meeting convened to review the deteriorating smog situation, chaired by Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi himself.
The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, the Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police (IG), concerned secretaries, and senior officials.
