Lahore moves to 16th position among world’s most polluted cities

Lahore has dropped to the 16th spot in the list of the world's most polluted cities according to the global air quality index. This change came about due to the environment-friendly measures implemented by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Ahead of the anticipated smog season in November, the CM has urged authorities to take proactive steps.

She has emphasized the reinforcement of past successful strategies and directed a crackdown on all pollution-causing sources. Meteorologists noted that slight changes in Lahore's air quality index are due to shifts in strong winds coming from India. Rainfall forecasted for next week could aid in lowering pollution levels. Experts also explained that fluctuations in wind speed and humidity impact the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere, causing changes in the air quality index.

However, the CM's directives have resulted in stricter implementation of SOPs from last year's anti-smog season. The Punjab administration and departments have been instructed to manage crop residue disposal efficiently and deter burning of plastic. Monitoring of brick kilns and other smoke-emitting establishments has been intensified under her directives.

The CM has also ordered continuous surveillance of motorcycle emissions and action against polluting vehicles. Advanced AI-based systems, thermal imaging, and Safe City cameras have improved the monitoring process. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed confidence that citizens will cooperate fully with the administration's initiatives, aiming to set a new benchmark of success during the three-month smog season.