By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: Air pollution in Lahore has once again reached alarming levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 200 mark in several parts of the city, posing serious health risks to residents.
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According to data, the AQI reached 213 in Harbanspura and Thokar Niaz Baig, 184 in Chohang, 176 in Mohanlal, 111 on Ring Road, 113 on Airport Road, 123 on Sagian Bypass, and 126 in Shahdara. The worsening situation is being attributed to winds carrying pollutants from across the border in Indian Punjab, which have intensified the smog.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the Punjab government is actively working to control air pollution and improve AQI levels. “Anti-smog guns are in operation, and strict action is being taken against smoke-emitting vehicles,” she stated.
She added that mobile fuel testing labs have been established for the first time, while 800 electric buses have been introduced across Punjab in the past eight months. “Within the next four years, we will have a fully green transport system,” she assured.
The minister also announced a green credit program for youth and emphasized ongoing efforts to make Punjab plastic-free by registering all plastic factories.
Aurangzeb stressed that smog is a man-made problem, not a divine calamity. “If children cannot go to school because of smog, the loss is ours. It’s our duty to fix it,” she said, adding that major anti-smog projects and systems are being implemented at both federal and provincial levels.
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