Cloud of poison engulfing Pakistan: Lahore drops to second place in global pollution rankings

Lahore in Pakistan has secured the second position on the most polluted cities list as the Indian capital topped the global list. The air quality index in Lahore and Delhi stood at 393 and 721, respectively, as of 8 am local time.

The dangerously high air pollution levels in some of the most populated cities across the globe have become a major cause of concern. Both cities have been enduring a prolonged period of toxic smog lately, putting millions of people’s health in danger.

The orders for school closure have been extended to five more districts of Punjab, including DG Khan and Sargodha. This is part of a campaign to reduce children’s exposure to pollution, especially during the morning commute.

Pakistan smog causing health crisis, traffic disruptions

If the air quality index is at 300 or higher, it is considered ‘hazardous’. Pakistan has regularly crossed 1,000 on the scale. The drastic deterioration of air quality has caused an increase in health issues like eye and throat infections and respiratory diseases.

The persistent cloud of smog has also been causing rampant traffic disruptions across the country. Bad air quality and consequent reduction in visibility has caused serious road accidents. One man lost his life in a bus and car collision in Kamalia, Punjab, recently.

In order to bring the pollution under control, authorities have restricted outdoor activities such as sports events, exhibitions and festivals, and dining at restaurants. But the UN children agency has called for more efforts to reduce smog levels and protect health.