Lahore Ranked as World’s Most Polluted City Once Again as Air Quality Index Soars to 236; Medical Experts Issue Urgent Advisory for Citizens to Avoid Unnecessary Travel
LAHORE: Lahore has once again emerged as the most polluted city in the world with dangerous smogs and sky-high air pollution levels on the provincial capital.
As per the latest data, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Lahore was reported to be a whopping 236 which is more than 32 times more dangerous than the safe limits recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The key highlights of Lahore’s hazardous Air Quality (AQI) and area-wise break down report are given below:
AQI readings of Smog in Severe category were showing a high variation in smog concentration from one locality to another with Government College University (GCU) and nearby areas having AQI of 541, Allama Iqbal Town with AQI of 449, Samanabad with AQI of 422, Barki Road with AQI of 400, Civil Secretariat with AQI of 360, Gulberg with AQI of 358, Defence Phase 6 with AQI of 348 and Pine Avenue and surrounding areas with AQI of 273.
Medical experts have come out with a strong warning to citizens to refrain from non-essential outdoor travel. Residents have been advised to wear special filtered masks if they need to go outside. In addition, citizens are asked to close doors and windows of their houses/offices as much as possible to reduce exposure.