In an effort to curb Lahore's deteriorating air quality, the Punjab Environment Department has announced a ban on outdoor barbeques at restaurants and food vendors who fail to comply with newly mandated environmental standards. The regulation, set to take effect on November 20, aims to address the city's escalating smog levels, which have reached hazardous levels in recent weeks.
Imposed by the Director General of the Environment Department, Imran Hamid Sheikh, the new rules require establishments using wood or coal for barbeque cooking to implement specific measures to reduce air pollution. Restaurants and street vendors conducting outdoor barbeques must install hoods over their grills to capture and contain smoke and harmful chemicals. In addition, the guidelines mandate frequent water spraying to suppress airborne pollutants and minimize the release of particulate matter into the atmosphere.
Lahore Faces Unprecedented Smog Levels
The move comes as Lahore continues to battle a severe air quality crisis, with pollution levels reaching alarming heights. On Wednesday morning, the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a staggering 1,165, far exceeding safe limits. Certain areas of Lahore reported even worse readings: Defense Phase 8 hit 1,696, Davies Road recorded 1,464, and Gulberg measured 1,306, according to international air monitoring stations. These levels of pollution are 131 times higher than what the World Health Organization considers safe for human health.The Environment Department has pointed to a combination of factors contributing to the city's smog, including toxic winds from neighboring Delhi, India. These polluted winds have been blowing from east to west, affecting Lahore and the surrounding regions.
Wind Shifts and Hope for Relief
Officials are closely monitoring the situation, as a shift in wind direction is expected around noon, which could bring some much-needed relief. As the winds shift from west to east, pollution levels may decrease slightly, offering temporary respite to residents suffering from the hazardous air quality.Lahore's ongoing air pollution crisis has raised alarm across the city, as local authorities and environmental experts work to address the issue. By regulating outdoor barbeques and enforcing stricter standards on pollution-emitting activities, the government hopes to mitigate the harmful effects of smog and protect public health.
