Lahore’s air quality remains alarmingly poor, with the city consistently topping global pollution charts due to hazardous smog levels. Daily activities and public health in Lahore are severely impacted as the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovers at dangerous levels, frequently exceeding 300, a threshold considered highly detrimental to human health.
The dense smog, a mix of industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, crop burning, and dust, blankets the city, reducing visibility and exacerbating respiratory illnesses among residents. Schools and workplaces struggle to operate normally, with officials advising the public to limit outdoor activities, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Hospitals across the city report a surge in patients experiencing breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and other pollution-related ailments.
Despite government efforts to curb pollution, the situation remains critical, with calls growing for stricter measures against emission sources and better urban planning to mitigate air quality issues in the long term. The annual smog crisis in Lahore highlights an urgent need for sustainable environmental policies, improved waste management, and a shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Meanwhile, residents are urged to take precautions, such as wearing masks and using air purifiers indoors to reduce exposure to toxic air. As Lahore grapples with this public health challenge, environmental activists stress the importance of collective action and community awareness to combat the devastating impact of air pollution on daily life and public health.