Punjab has introduced a “green lockdown” in smog-affected areas of Lahore, restricting activities such as barbecues, motorcycle rickshaws, and significant events. Environmental experts, however, have criticized the move as “insufficient and poorly planned.”
Lahore’s pollution levels have worsened significantly, with the city frequently ranking high for poor air quality. On Wednesday, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) peaked at 588 at 3 a.m., while AQI values fluctuated in different areas. They showed a slight improvement by evening, eventually dropping to 177 at 8 p.m.
Affected Areas and Key Restrictions
Punjab’s senior minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb, announced in the Punjab Assembly that 11 areas in Lahore are smog hotspots, and the lockdown will begin Thursday.
An official notice by Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director General of the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency, highlighted affected roads like Davis Road, Egerton Road, and Durand Road. Under the lockdown:
- Construction is banned within one kilometre of Shimla Hill.
- Commercial generators, Qingqi motorcycle rickshaws, and open barbecue activities after 8 p.m. are prohibited.
- Restaurants using coal, charcoal, or wood without proper emission control must close.
- Marquees and marriage halls must close by 10 p.m.
- LWMC will only perform wet sweeping to reduce dust.
These measures aim to curb air pollution, though experts believe more is needed for long-term improvements.
