Punjab Govt Declares Smog Emergency, Imposes Stricter Lockdowns in Major Cities

LAHORE: The Punjab government has declared an emergency due to severe smog in Lahore and Multan. A full lockdown will be enforced from Friday to Sunday as air pollution reaches critical levels. Multan’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has surpassed 2,000 on two occasions, setting records for the region.

On Friday 15th November 2024, provincial minister Mariyum Aurangzeb disclosed these measures. Construction activities in both cities will be suspended for a period of 10 days, and entry points will restrict vehicles that transport construction materials.

Schools in Punjab will be suspended until November 24. Colleges and universities in Multan and Lahore will transition to online courses. Half of the personnel in private and government offices will be employed remotely. Restaurants will close at 4 p.m., and takeaway is permitted until 8 p.m.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has verified these restrictions and has issued a warning that pollution conditions may endure for several weeks. Ambulances, certified public transportation, and vehicles transporting food and fuel will be exempt from vehicle entry prohibitions.
The pollution crisis has resulted in an increase in respiratory ailments. Essential medications have been stocked in hospitals, and outpatient department (OPD) hours will be extended to 8 p.m. Special registries are being established for smog-related cases, and ambulances are equipped with respiratory apparatus.

Rescue 1122 has been instructed to prioritise emergencies associated with pollution. It is recommended that the public wear masks and reduce superfluous travel, particularly on motorcycles.
Minister Aurangzeb said a 10-year policy has been developed to address pollution, with specific targets for government departments. Currently 12 AQI monitors have been established in Lahore and 50 more are being proposed for Punjab in the current year.

Lahore has a green coverage of only 3%, while the safe limit is 36%. Minister announces an exercise to plant trees all over the city in a move to enhance the quality of air in the city. Immediate relief is limited, but both short- and long-term actions are necessary. The minister highlighted that smog is a cross-border issue and urged cooperation between Pakistan and India to tackle this environmental crisis.

The Punjab government also tried cloud seeding which led to rainfall in Jhelum and Gujar Khan. This experiment was done in collaboration with Army Aviation, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency, and Suparco. The Meteorological Department confirmed the rain started within hours of the trial. Officials hope similar results will occur in Lahore.