Lahore tops world pollution ranking as Delhi tightens smog curbs
Lahore recorded an air quality index of 447 on Tuesday morning, according to IQAir, making it the world's most polluted city. New Delhi has brought in new restrictions on vehicles, construction and fuel use.
- IQAir recorded an air quality index of 447 in Lahore on Tuesday, 3 November.
- PM2.5 levels in Lahore were 60 times the WHO annual limit.
- New Delhi began a new phase of restrictions on Monday.
- Diwali is on 8 November, and only low-pollution fireworks are allowed in India.
Lahore became the most polluted city in the world on Tuesday, 3 November, as smog intensified across Pakistan and northern India ahead of winter, DW Urdu reported.
The Swiss organisation IQAir recorded an air quality index of 447 in Lahore on Tuesday morning. An index of up to 50 indicates good air with little or no health risk. PM2.5 particle levels in the city were 60 times the annual limit suggested by the World Health Organization.
PM2.5 particles are 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter and can enter the lungs through breathing.
Pakistani officials say a sharp drop in temperature and slower winds worsened the pollution in Lahore. Winter cold and heavy air trap smoke and particles from vehicles, construction sites and burning crop residue. The government has stepped up action against brick kilns that violate environmental laws, and farmers are repeatedly urged not to burn agricultural residue after harvest.
In New Delhi, authorities have imposed new restrictions to control toxic smog. A new phase began on Monday. Highly polluting vehicles and construction activities are restricted, coal and wood use is limited in hotels and food outlets, and public transport is being expanded.
IQAir recorded an index of 215 in New Delhi, while India's Central Pollution Control Board rated the air as very poor with an index of 332. The difference between the two figures is due to different measurement scales and methods.
The Hindu festival of Diwali will be celebrated on 8 November, and fireworks are expected to add to pollution. India's Supreme Court has allowed only low-pollution fireworks, which may be set off for three hours a day on Saturdays and Sundays. BBC News also reported that Delhi's air quality worsened as firework restrictions came into force.
Why it matters
Residents of Lahore are exposed to air pollution far above the levels the WHO suggests, and the pollution is linked to vehicles, construction, brick kilns and crop burning.
