Lahore residents woke up to another day of grey skies as the city topped the global pollution charts on Monday, facing severe smog. The air quality index (AQI) in Lahore reached a staggering 532, according to IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring company. The city has been ranked as the world’s most polluted for nearly a week, signaling a worsening smog crisis.
Every winter, Lahore struggles with pollution as cooler temperatures trap dust from construction, vehicle emissions, and smoke. On Sunday, the air quality dropped dramatically, hitting an AQI of 700, which prompted the Punjab Environment Protection Department to issue a smog alert. IQAir classifies air quality as "hazardous" when the AQI exceeds 300.
The AQI scale is as follows: 0-50 is "good," 51-100 is "moderate," 101-150 is "unhealthy for sensitive groups," 151-200 is "unhealthy," 201-300 is "very unhealthy," and anything above 300 is "hazardous."
The alert urged Lahore residents to take precautions against the harmful effects of the pollution. People were advised to monitor air quality, keep doors and windows closed, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, and wear masks if they must go outside.
All outdoor activities in schools across Punjab have been suspended, and school hours have been adjusted. Traffic police also warned drivers to be extra careful on motorcycles due to reduced visibility from the thick smog.
Meanwhile, New Delhi, India, ranked second in pollution with an AQI of 268. Both cities typically see worsening air quality during the winter months, as cooler temperatures trap pollution near the ground.
Karachi also made the top ten list today, with an AQI of 123, classified as "unhealthy" for sensitive individuals and those with allergies.