World's Most Polluted City Pollution Levels Surpass Delhi by 6x

Photo : Reuters

Lahore, Pakistan, is grappling with an unprecedented air quality crisis as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a staggering 1,900 on Sunday, marking its highest level ever recorded. This alarming figure has prompted the Pakistani government to reach out to India with a request for dialogue regarding the deteriorating air quality situation.

The AQI in Lahore, a bustling metropolis with a population of around 14 million, is reported to be at least six times higher than the safety limits established by the World Health Organization (WHO). In response to this crisis, the government has enacted emergency measures, including the closure of schools and the implementation of work-from-home mandates for various sectors.

Additionally, the concentration of PM2.5 pollutants—ultra-fine particulate matter that poses severe health risks—has soared to 610 micrograms per cubic meter. This level exceeds the WHO's recommended 24-hour limit of 15 micrograms by more than 40 times, underscoring the severity of the situation.

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To mitigate the health risks posed by the toxic air, citizens have been advised to remain indoors, keep windows and doors shut, and refrain from unnecessary travel. In an effort to monitor the situation, smog counters have been established at hospitals. Punjab's Senior Minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb, announced a ban on three-wheeled vehicles known as rickshaws and has halted construction activities in specific areas to help reduce pollution levels.

The Pakistani government attributes the extreme pollution levels to winds carrying hazardous air from neighboring India. Raja Jahangir Anwar, Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the need for “climate diplomacy” to address this as both a regional and global issue. He stated, “We are suffering in Lahore due to the eastern wind corridor coming from India. We are not blaming anyone; it's a natural phenomenon.”

Like many northern Indian cities, Lahore experiences a surge in pollution levels during the winter months, leading to numerous health complications for its residents. Common issues include breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, and burning eyes. The phenomenon of smog becomes particularly acute in winter when cooler, denser air traps emissions from low-quality fuels used in vehicles and factories, exacerbating the crisis.

In comparison, New Delhi's AQI stood at 276 on Monday afternoon. According to WHO guidelines, an AQI between 151 and 200 is considered unhealthy, while levels from 201 to 300 are harmful, and any reading over 300 is deemed extremely hazardous.

Research from the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute indicates that pollution levels exceeding safe thresholds set by the WHO could shorten the life expectancy of residents in Lahore by an average of 7.5 years.

The impact of air pollution on children is particularly concerning, as highlighted by UNICEF, which reports that nearly 600 million children in South Asia are exposed to high levels of air pollution. Moreover, half of all childhood pneumonia deaths are associated with air pollution, underscoring the urgent need for action to address this growing crisis.

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