United States: Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, is ultimately facing record-high air pollution, which is making many people sick. Doctors say more people are going to hospitals and private clinics with coughs and burning eyes. The pollution is so bad that authorities warned that if people don’t start wearing masks and following other safety rules, they might have to put the city under a lockdown.
This warning came after many people were seen walking around Lahore, a city of 14 million people, without masks, even though the air quality is dangerous.
As reported by the Associated Press, hospitals and clinics reported that tens of thousands of respiratory patients were being treated in a week, said Salman Kazmi, the vice president of the of the Pakistan Medical Association.
“I can see people coughing every time I go out, but they hardly wear face masks” he said.
Breakthroughs in Lahore on Wednesday morning as the air-quality index rose like the sun and fixed the title of the most polluted city at 1,100+. Over 300 is perceived as dangerous to one’s life.
Since last month the city is under a toxic smog.
Chamber in the food itself was prohibited long ago, and recently barbecuing and using motor rickshaws were also prohibited — wedding halls must also close at 10 p.m.
According to the government, it was also exploring ways on how to simulate rain in an attempt to fight the pollution.’
Many regions in South Asia experience pollution annually since cold weather inhibits dispersion of emissions, dust or smoke from burning on farms to remove rice residues before planting wheat.
Lahore’s officials have in the past attributed pollution to vehicle fuel of of low quality, construction, and industries too.
This year, however, more than at any point in the preceding decade, the provincial government has cited toxic air drifting in from the neighbouring India, where northern territories are also struggling with dangers air quality.
The South Asian hub was ranked as the second most polluted city in the world on Wednesday with a score of 299, according to IQAir.
The government has shut down primary schools and imposed no three-wheelers or rickshaw, stopped some constructions at least, and ordered people to remain inside. It has also established what it has named the “smog war room” for the tracking of the situation and coordination of actions that seek to address the pollution.