Dharshini RDA 
(C)RFE,from hazardous to very unhealthy lahores air quality sees slight relief
After weeks of dense smog that had covered the city interfering with daily life and causing serious health issues, the change represented a small relief.
According to Swiss-based IQAir which tracks worldwide air quality, Lahore the capital of Punjab province and home to over 14 million people is the second most polluted city in the world. With an AQI of 559 New Delhi in India came first place.
A number of reasons including unlawful stubble burning, emissions from low-grade diesel fuel and trapped dust from cold weather have contributed to the pollution situation which gets worse throughout the winter.
Local officials responded to the situation by declaring a health emergency in Multan and Lahore forcing schools to switch to online classes and prohibiting building in the most affected cities.
In addition to imposing limits on commercial activities including restricting restaurants to takeaway services after 4 pm, senior officials including Punjab’s Minister for Information, Marriyum Aurangzeb issued a 10-day ban on construction.
To maintain safety during the foggy hours, authorities have advised the people to use fog lights, stay within speed limits and avoid needless travel.
More than 20 incoming and leaving aircraft were delayed at Lahore Airport earlier due to the city’s haze which affected train and airline operations. One intercity flight was delayed and around eleven flights that were supposed to depart from Lahore were delayed. Furthermore, heavy fog caused delays for more than eleven flights that were supposed to land at Lahore Airport.
