The AQI (air quality index) levels in Lahore, Pakistan, have reached alarming levels, with the city’s AQI approaching the 700 mark on Sunday, according to various global monitoring sites. Notably, an AQI above 300 is considered dangerous and requires emergency intervention. health warnings.

The city’s overall AQI was recorded at 690, placing Lahore at the top of the list of the most polluted cities in the world. Not far from Lahore on that list was Delhi, the capital of India, where the AQI of Anand Vihar in east Delhi reached a serious 403 today morning. As of 1:15 p.m. today, SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) data indicates that Delhi’s AQI stood at 361. Just like Delhi, the deteriorating air quality in Lahore is also exacerbated by crop burning and industrial emissions from neighboring states.

As such, the PM2.5 concentration in New Delhi is already 12.4 times higher than the World Health Organization(WHO) recommended limit. PM2.5, or particulate matter 2.5, refers to the quantum of tiny particles approximately 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter found in the air.

These consist of smoke, soot, dust, pollen, bacteria, etc. The reason they are particularly dangerous is that these particles can settle deep in our lungs when inhaled, causing breathing problems, eye irritation, coughing, and more.

Due to deteriorating air quality in the Indian capital, GRAP-2, or Graduated Response Action Planwas implemented in the city. As part of the measure, restrictions will be in force on the use of coal, firewood and diesel generators in the NCR region. The first stage of the plan was implemented on October 15, 2024.

Additionally, water sprinkling and mechanical sweeping will be carried out regularly at specific sites, as well as dust control measures applied at various construction sites across the city. With Diwali approaching, the Delhi government has already banned the production, sale, storage and use of firecrackers till January 1, 2025.

The air becomes heavier in winter than in summer, causing toxic particles in the atmosphere to move downward and pollute the atmosphere. To combat this, Pakistan is considering cloud seeding to generate artificial rain in the city. In addition, the city government also constituted a “anti-smog team” to visit the most affected areas.