2 weeks Ago By Subhajit Sankar Dasgupta
The Air Quality Index increased to 760 and 1,914 respectively in Mulatan and Lahoreon Saturday, as per Swiss Live Air quality monitor, affecting the normal life. Multan : With deadly smog continuing to envelop Multan and Lahore in Pakistan, the Air Quality Index increased to 760 and 1,914 on Saturday, according to the Swiss Live Air quality monitor. In the last few days, Multan has become the most polluted city in the country, affecting normal life.
According to a report published in the News, many citizens continued to avoid wearing masks despite instructions and the authorities have also failed to implement directions on smog. In Lahore, too, thick smog led to the closure of roads as several roads were blocked for traffic movement. Reportedly, at least nine people were injured on GT Road, when a van collided with a truck parked by the road because of low visibility, as per The News.
Lahore High Court instructs closure of markets Earlier, the Lahore High Court instructed the closure of all markets and trade activities on Sundays. It had also ordered the closure of shops by 8 pm on other days. Notably, the smog continues to worsen in the Punjab province of Pakistan, with Multan witnessing over 2,000 AQI levels on Friday.
The province is on high alert and is implementing several steps to bring down the pollution levels. On October 17, the state closed parks and museums as air quality worsened to record levels in all major cities of Punjab. Multan recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 2,135 between 8 am and 9 am, as per the Swiss Air Quality Monitor.
Importantly, the concentration of PM2.5 — particulate matter in the air that causes damage to health — was 947 micrograms per cubic metre, which is 189.4 times above the WHO guideline.
Ban imposed in other districts of Punjab Apart from Multan, the ban was also ordered in other districts of the state which include Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khanewal, Vehari and Lodhran, which are also under restrictions. Click for more latest World news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9.
Subhajit Sankar Dasgupta has nearly 18 years of experience. Currently, he is serving as Associate Editor with news9live.com, a part of Associated Broadcasting Company Pvt Ltd.
He started his career with The Pioneer and went on to work in a number of media organisations, including IANS, Financial Express Online, The Political and Business Daily, among others. Apart from online media, he has also worked in print media. Among the beats he covers include politics, sports and infrastructure.
He has a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambeshwar University. During his free time, he likes to read books and play table tennis..
