Lahore’s environmental department has imposed tighter restrictions on open-air BBQ restaurants, issuing new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at reducing smog.
Open BBQ setups at restaurants in Lahore have been identified as a significant source of the city’s worsening smog levels. To address this, the Punjab Environmental Protection Department has introduced SOPs mandating stricter pollution control measures for these establishments.
Imran Hameed, Director General of the Environmental Protection Department Punjab, stated that restaurants with open BBQs are now required to install proper chimneys and exhaust systems to manage smoke emissions. Additionally, BBQ hoods must be equipped with filters to reduce smoke effectively, and the use of wet showering systems at BBQ sites is now mandatory to further decrease air pollution.
These new regulations will be in effect from November 20 to January 31, 2025.
RED ALERT FOR LAHORE The Punjab Environment Department has issued a ‘red alert’ for Lahore due to an anticipated spike in smog levels over the coming days.
The Met Office has forecast a significant increase in smog from November 6 to 8, prompting urgent health warnings for residents. As of 10:00 AM, Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) was at a hazardous 261, exceeding World Health Organization guidelines by 42.8 times and ranking it as the most polluted city globally.
Certain areas in Lahore are experiencing even more severe conditions, with Gulberg’s AQI reaching 515, Defence Phase 8 at 424, and DHA Phase 5 at 416.