Lahore’s PM2.5 Levels Surge to Eight Times WHO Guidelines

News Desk

LAHORE: Satellite data has revealed that Lahore’s average PM2.5 concentration reached alarming levels, measuring eight times higher than the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) guideline value.

The report, released by the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI) on Tuesday, highlights the detection of 16,714 likely crop-residue fires in Punjab between October 1 and November 9, raising concerns about the city’s deteriorating air quality.

The report indicates that Lahore’s PM2.5 concentration averaged 126 micrograms per cubic metre during this period, exceeding the 24-hour National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) on all 40 days for which valid data were available.

This figure, while 11% lower than the same period in 2022, still poses significant health risks to the city’s residents.

With satellite instruments detecting a total of 18,825 fires across Punjab, 89% of which were attributed to crop-residue burning, the environmental implications are dire.

The highest daily count of fires was recorded on November 1, with 1,102 detections. The report also questions the impact of Diwali fireworks in India on Lahore’s pollution levels, suggesting that local agricultural practices may play a more significant role.

In light of these findings, environmental experts are calling for immediate action to address the pollution crisis.

Authorities are urged to implement stricter regulations on crop burning and enhance public awareness campaigns about air quality.

As the winter months approach, which typically exacerbate pollution levels, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation for further developments.