Air pollution in Pakistan and northern India has risen to dangerous levels in recent weeks, with the AQI nearing 1600 on Friday.
Lahore, Pakistan/New Delhi, India — A severe smog crisis has gripped Pakistan and northern India, prompting health emergencies, widespread school closures, and lockdowns in major cities as air quality levels reach catastrophic highs. Lahore, Pakistan, and Delhi, India, are at the epicenter of the crisis, with residents struggling to breathe under a toxic haze that has brought daily life to a near halt.
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Lahore Records World’s Worst Air Quality
In Lahore, the air quality index (AQI) reached a staggering 1,600 on Friday morning in some areas, making it the most polluted city in the world. The average AQI across the city has consistently exceeded 1,300 this week, levels categorized as hazardous to human health. The Punjab provincial government has declared a health emergency, closing schools, enforcing mask mandates, and shutting parks and museums to mitigate exposure.
Hospitals in Lahore report over 70,000 daily visits for respiratory and viral illnesses related to the smog. “We are witnessing a public health disaster,” said Marriyum Aurangzeb, Punjab’s senior provincial minister. “This is a national emergency.” The government has imposed a three-month ban on weddings and restricted restaurant operations as part of a broader lockdown affecting Lahore and Multan.
Delhi Shuts Schools Amid Alarming Pollution Levels
Across the border in Delhi, the smog has forced the closure of all primary schools and a ban on non-essential construction work. The city, home to over 30 million people, consistently ranks among the most polluted urban areas during the winter months. On Thursday, PM2.5 pollutant levels exceeded 50 times the World Health Organization’s recommended daily maximum, creating severe health risks.
Hospitals in Delhi have seen a spike in patients with breathing and gastrointestinal issues. Chief Minister Atishi appealed to citizens to reduce coal and wood usage for heating and rely more on public transport. However, critics argue that the government’s measures, including the use of drones to spray water mist, are inadequate for addressing the crisis.
Millions Suffering as Smog Blankets the Region
The smog has impacted millions across Punjab and northern India, with visibility reduced to dangerous levels and travel disruptions widespread. The toxic haze has affected landmarks as far as the Taj Mahal, 160 km (100 miles) from Delhi. In Pakistan, Multan and Lahore remain under strict lockdowns, with outdoor activity severely restricted.
Pakistan has reported nearly 15,000 new cases of respiratory and viral infections within 24 hours, while food and retail businesses have been curtailed to reduce emissions. In India, the supreme court has declared clean air a fundamental human right, urging swift action from central and state governments.
Experts attribute the worsening air quality to a combination of stubble burning by farmers, industrial emissions, and vehicle pollution. Cooler temperatures and stagnant winds trap pollutants in the air, exacerbating the smog during the winter months from October to January.
Critics in both countries accuse politicians of failing to implement lasting solutions due to political pressures, particularly from influential farming groups. “Smog is currently a national disaster,” Aurangzeb said, acknowledging the long-term nature of the problem. “This will not all be over in a month or a year.”
The smog crisis coincides with new warnings from the Global Carbon Project that fossil fuel emissions are set to hit record highs this year. The findings underscore the urgent need for effective environmental policies to address not just local pollution but the global climate emergency.
Lead image courtesy of © 2023 K.M. Chaudary/AP Photo (Vehicles and motorcyclists amid severe air pollution in Lahore, Pakistan, November 24, 2023)
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