Pakistani city on alert over air pollution

(CLO) Unprecedented air pollution in Lahore, Pakistan's second largest city, has forced authorities to ask people to work from home and close all primary schools.

The city topped the real-time list of the world's most polluted cities, according to the latest data from local authorities and air quality monitoring organisation IQAir, after recording an all-time high in pollution levels near the Pakistan-India border on Saturday.

The Pakistani government has closed primary schools for a week and advised parents to ensure children wear masks.

Pollution in Lahore, Pakistan is very serious. Photo: AA

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has advised people to stay at home and keep their doors and windows closed. Meanwhile, hospitals have been equipped with smog monitors to monitor air quality and are ready to receive patients. To reduce pollution from vehicles, 50% of office workers will work from home.

The Pakistani government has banned auto-rickshaws and suspended several construction projects to reduce pollution. Violators will be severely punished and may face suspension of operations.

Minister Aurangzeb said the situation was “unexpected” and the deterioration in air quality could be due to winds carrying pollution from neighbouring India. “This issue cannot be resolved without talks with India,” she stressed.

Both Lahore and Delhi face severe air pollution in winter due to temperature inversions, which trap pollutants close to the ground, causing adverse health effects.

Ha Trang (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/thanh-pho-cua-pakistan-bao-dong-vi-tinh-trang-o-nhiem-khong-khi-chua-tung-thay-post319813.html