LAHORE – Punjab capital remains the most polluted city for another city as air quality levels remain at alarming high of over 1000 on Sunday.
The average air quality index (AQI) in the metropolis soared above 1000, primarily due to ongoing stubble burning across the border in India, which has led to a thick blanket of smoke enveloping the region. This severe pollution has made breathing difficult and significantly reduced visibility.
As Swiss IQAir reported an early morning AQI of around 800 for Lahore, the situation remains dire. Delhi, the capital of India, follows as the second most polluted city, with an average AQI of 429, noted by IQAir at 436.
Lahore AQI
City, Country | AQI |
---|---|
Lahore, Pakistan | 1073 |
Delhi, India | 451 |
Cairo, Egypt | 179 |
Dhaka, Bangladesh | 175 |
Kolkata, India | 163 |
Dubai, UAE | 163 |
Kathmandu, Nepal | 156 |
Wuhan, China | 153 |
Hangzhou, China | 149 |
Hanoi, Vietnam | 148 |
In light of the hazardous air quality, health officials have urged residents, particularly the elderly, to remain indoors and to wear face masks if venturing outside. The Punjab government, taking the pollution crisis into account, delayed the start of schools last week to protect students’ health.
Lahore, once celebrated for its lush gardens and urban planning, is now facing a grim reality as it continues to hold the unfortunate title of the world’s most polluted city, a distinction it has maintained for nearly a decade.
Lahore’s Air Quality further deteriorates as AQI surges to alarming 1000