Lahore’s Air Pollution Crisis Forces School Closures
The air in Lahore is not just a problem anymore. It is now a health emergency. Recently, air pollution levels in Lahore have reached record highs. Authorities have had to close schools across the city. Residents are feeling the effects directly. Itchy eyes, constant coughing, and a feeling of unease. The air is visibly toxic. Lahore has always had air quality issues, but this is different. It is forcing everyone to reconsider their priorities.
Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural capital, is covered in a thick haze. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has shot past dangerous levels. At times, it is over 400. This makes Lahore one of the most polluted cities in the world right now. To understand, an AQI over 300 is hazardous to health. Lahore is far beyond that. Experts say the situation is especially bad for children, the elderly, and people with health problems. Because of this, the government has decided to close schools. It is an attempt to keep children safe from the harmful air.
One of the many reasons for this pollution. The major causes are industrial emissions, car exhaust and burning crops. A lot of farmers in Punjab burn crop residue to clear fields. It’s quick and cheap, but it also lets off smoke and polluting particles into the air. In cooler weather, pollutants fall closer to the ground, too, worsening things. It is nothing new, but the fact of it is Lahore will continue to suffer winter after winter if no steps are taken.
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People are being told to take that seriously. Breathing in such air can lead to long term health problems. That can result in lung diseases, heart issues and even shortening life. The patients with asthma and breathing troubles are coming in more to hospitals. According to experts, they recommend staying indoors as much as possible. If you do have air purifiers, use them. Put on your n95 masks if you have to go out. And these are not perfect actions, but they do reduce exposure.
Individual actions won’t bring real change. It needs systemic change. In the short term schools can even be closed, but that’s not a long-term solution. The causes must be dealt with by authorities. That means stricter controls on vehicle and factory emissions. They need help finding ways to clear their fields better. That would help if we use machines instead of burning. Emissions from cars might also be lowered by adding more public transportation and more traffic control.
Read more: Lahore and Delhi Struggle with Unbearable Smog Season Affecting Health and Economy in 2024
In addition, this is a crisis that demands public attention. We need to tell people how bad air pollution is and how we can help remove it. Little things matter. While all of that is helpful, we can do more. This is about everyone playing their part to make our city a healthier place.
Lahore requires both short run and long term solutions. Staying indoors and wearing masks are at best temporary fixes. The real solution is to stop pollution at the source. They are hoping for clearer skies. They want the authorities to act so this doesn’t become normal.
Read more: Lahore’s Smog Problem, School Closures and Health Concerns
References:
- Al Jazeera. Schools to Close as Air Pollution Hits Record High in Pakistan’s Lahore. Al Jazeera, 3 November 2024.
- Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency. Air Quality Index Reports for Lahore. Pakistan EPA, 2024.
- Khan, Dr. Ahmed. The Health Impacts of Air Pollution in Urban Pakistan. Lahore Medical Journal, October 2024.
- World Health Organization. Air Pollution and Public Health: Risks and Recommendations. WHO, 2023.
- Lahore Traffic Police. Vehicle Emissions and Their Contribution to Urban Smog. Lahore Traffic Control Authority, 2024.
