Lahore, the provincial capital of the Punjab province in Pakistan, has become known for its persistent battle against smog and high pollution levels.
The provincial capital faced an air pollution index of over 500, ranking it as the first most polluted city in the world some five days ago.
Authorities imposed a shutter down on schools, markets and parks for four days due to the toxic air after tens of thousands fall ill, according to Al Jazeera.
Though the rainfall on 10th November improved the pollution situation to some extent, Lahore stood at the top on list of most polluted cities of the world on Tuesday, 14th November. The health authorities have recommended the citizens to use masks as complaints of respiratory ailments have arisen.
Lahore remained the most polluted city in world both of Sunday and Monday (26, 27 November) with an AQI of 248 and 376 respectively. Authorities announced smart lockdown in the city by declaring three days holiday in education institutions and keeping businesses closed on Sunday.
However, these measures had little impact on the AQI and citizens continued to suffer from the smog. Authorities have advised the residents to use face masks.
Lahore was once again the most polluted city in the world on Wednesday morning, 29th November, with highest AQI of 465.
Lahore was again the most polluted city in world on 7th December with an AQI of 356. Delhi, Beijing and Karachi followed at 2nd, 3rd and 4th position respectively.
Noticing the smog problem in the Punjab province, the Lahore High Court directed on Monday, 18th December, all educational institutions in Punjab to stay closed on Saturdays until the end of January.
This comes after a verdict on November 13, which ordered all schools and colleges in the province to remain closed on November 18. The high court also directed the government to declare two days in the week as ‘work from home’ for the private sector in the province.
On Sunday, 18th December the Punjab government mandated that citizens in ten smog hit districts wear masks whenever they leave home.
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