In a concerning development, satellite imagery has shown Lahore’s smog reaching such intense levels that it is now visible from space. The thick haze of pollution, which has been a growing problem for the city in recent years, has now reached hazardous levels, significantly deteriorating the air quality.
According to the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (PEPA), Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has surpassed dangerous thresholds, with particulate matter (PM) levels climbing to over 500. This is well beyond the “hazardous” category, posing serious health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions, the elderly, and children.
Environmental experts attribute the pollution to a combination of factors, including industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, crop burning in surrounding areas, and a lack of adequate green spaces in the city. The situation is exacerbated by weather conditions that trap the toxic particles near the ground, making the smog even more suffocating.
The visibility of Lahore’s smog from space has prompted alarm from environmentalists and citizens alike, with calls for urgent action to address the growing pollution crisis. The government has faced increasing pressure to implement stricter regulations on emissions, promote cleaner technologies, and enhance public transportation systems to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
As Lahore grapples with the ongoing pollution problem, the city is now facing a public health emergency, with hospitals seeing a rise in patients suffering from respiratory issues. Experts warn that without significant intervention, the smog could continue to pose serious long-term health risks to the city’s population.
