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Multan, a major city in Pakistan's Punjab province, faced an alarming air quality crisis. The Air Quality Index (AQI) skyrocketed past 2,000, prompting authorities to issue a high alert. Schools and public areas were shut down temporarily due to the hazardous smog levels. Despite efforts to control pollution, the heavy smog persisted.
The primary pollutant responsible for this situation was PM2.5, a harmful fine particulate matter. It reached 947 micrograms per cubic meter, which is nearly 190 times above the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended safe limit of 5 micrograms. This level of pollution posed significant health risks to residents.
Efforts to Mitigate Pollution
In response to the crisis, Multan's Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sindhu initiated a "smart lockdown." Markets were ordered to close by 8 p.m., and traffic police were tasked with penalising vehicles emitting excessive smoke. Authorities also targeted illegal activities like stubble burning and waste fires.
Despite these measures, reports indicated that compliance with restrictions was inconsistent. Residents expressed concerns about the effectiveness of these efforts in addressing the severe air pollution problem.
Impact on Surrounding Areas
The smog not only affected Multan but also impacted nearby regions such as Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, and Khanewal. Visibility on roads was significantly reduced due to the dense smog, posing challenges for commuters and increasing the risk of accidents.
Nishtar Hospital in Multan took proactive steps by setting up special treatment counters for smog-related health issues. This preparation aimed to address potential respiratory problems among residents exposed to the hazardous air quality.
Monitoring and AQI Readings
Local monitoring stations across Multan recorded similarly alarming AQI readings. These included WWF-Pakistan, Shamsabad Colony, and Multan Cantonment stations. The AQI reading reached a staggering 2,135 in the early hours on Friday according to Swiss air quality monitor IQAir.
By Friday evening, the AQI had decreased to 980 but remained well above the "hazardous" threshold of 300. This indicated that while there was some improvement, air quality conditions continued to pose serious health risks.
Parks, museums, and schools across Punjab were declared closed until November 17 as part of efforts to manage the dangerous pollution levels. These closures aimed to protect public health by reducing exposure to harmful pollutants during this period.
The situation in Multan highlights the urgent need for effective measures to combat air pollution in urban areas. Addressing illegal activities contributing to smog and ensuring compliance with regulations are crucial steps towards improving air quality and safeguarding public health.
