Air quality across Punjab deteriorates on Diwali as slow winds and cross-border pollution push particulate levels to hazardous levels. The provincial government says it has completed large-scale preparations to mitigate the expected spike in smog.
Meteorological projections show winds blowing at 4–7 km/h from the east and west will degrade the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore and other major cities. Pollution drifting in from Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Haryana is forecast to travel toward Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Multan.
To counter the threat, the Punjab government has deployed anti-smog guns, with operations already underway at Thokar Niaz Baig and other identified hot spots. From Fajr onwards, Lahore and other high-risk cities will see water sprinkling and anti-smog gun use to suppress pollutant particles. WASA, LDA, district, and municipal bodies have been directed to stop trash burning, enforce a ban on burning crop residue, and ensure sprinkling in their respective areas. Authorities have also instructed that construction material and transport of loads must be fully covered.
The Punjab Smog Monitoring Centre predicts Lahore’s AQI may remain between 210 and 230 today, with severe pollution in the morning and night hours. In an advisory to the public, the centre warned that due to weak winds (1–8 km/h) and no rain, toxic particles will remain suspended. It urged citizens to wear masks and advised children, elderly people, and respiratory patients to stay indoors. Slight improvement is expected between 1 pm and 5 pm. Smoke from traffic, roadside dust, trash burning, and Diwali fireworks will further inflate AQI levels.
Wind speeds are likely to fall below 2 km/h by 2 pm. In New Delhi, morning fog and mild sunshine are expected, with the AQI ranging between 201 and 300.
Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb appealed to the public to follow safety precautions and environmental SOPs, saying individual responsibility is key to reducing smog and protecting public health.
Fake news
Lahore is not in india. Diwali is not in pakistan.
More blame shifting without evidence
Rija kindly open a geography book or a science book