Lahore tops global pollution rankings as AQI reaches 451

Lahore has once again topped the ranking of the world’s most polluted big cities, with air quality reaching dangerous levels, raising serious public health concerns.

According to data from the international environmental monitoring website, the air quality index (AQI) of the provincial capital is 451, which ranks first. India’s capital, New Delhi, ranked second with an AQI of 224.

Several areas of Lahore reported exceptionally high pollution levels. Gulberg had an AQI of 758, followed by Allama Iqbal Town at 752 and Syed Marati B’Ali Road at 613, according to the reported data.

The air pollution situation in other major cities of Punjab also remains alarming. Multan’s AQI was 902, Gujranwala’s AQI was 726 and Faisalabad’s AQI was 389.

Despite ongoing anti-smog measures, harmful air quality continues to affect several districts of Lahore, exposing residents to serious health hazards. Meanwhile, the meteorological department has predicted that there could be rainfall in the next two days. The expected rains may help reduce the intensity of the haze in the area. However, rain may also bring cold weather in Lahore and temperatures are expected to drop.