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Punjab Struggles with Intense Smog: Lahore Remains World's Most Polluted City
Punjab grapples with severe smog, as Lahore remains the most polluted city in the world. Motorways closed, and work-from-home policy enforced for safety.
ND
by News Desk
2024-11-09
Punjab Struggles with Intense Smog: Lahore Remains World's Most Polluted City

Punjab is currently facing a dire smog crisis, with Lahore topping the list as the most polluted city in the world. Early morning air quality readings in Lahore have soared to a hazardous 714 on the Air Quality Index, posing significant health risks for residents.

 

Visibility in many cities across the province has drastically decreased, leading to the closure of several motorways due to dense fog. The Motorway M2, stretching from Lahore to Kot Sarwar, and sections of the Lahore-Sialkot and M4 Motorways from Pindi Bhatian to Abdul Hakeem have been shut down for safety reasons. The Motorway Police has advised the public to avoid travel at night and use fog lights when necessary.

 

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has intervened by ordering the implementation of a work-from-home policy for all employees, both public and private, to reduce exposure to harmful air quality. In addition, the court has ordered the closure of markets by 8:00 PM daily and directed the authorities to seize all vehicles emitting smoke.

 

In response to the worsening air quality, the Punjab government has begun preparations for artificial rain, which is expected to take place on November 11 and 12 in an attempt to alleviate the smog. In the meantime, parks and recreational centers across 18 districts of Punjab will remain closed for the next ten days.

 

The LHC has also mandated a ban on commercial activities on Sundays for the next two weeks in a bid to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

 

Citizens are urged to take precautions and limit outdoor activities during this hazardous air quality period, as the region continues to battle one of the worst smog events in recent years.
Tagged:

AirQuality

LahorePollution

SmogAlert

PunjabSmog

WorkFromHome
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