Lahore still sits on top in the ranking of the most polluted cities of the world with its air quality index touching 377 level, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.

The smog is also engulfing different cities of Punjab including Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur and Gujranwala. 

According to the reading of the AQ index, the pollution level of Lahore has reached 377. Rising pollution is becoming a nuisance for the citizens who are suffering from different ailments of the throat and eyes due to smog in the atmosphere. 

Kot Lakhpat area in Lahore remained the most polluted area with 574 AQ, followed by Fateh Garh with 612, Model Town 470 AQ, Gulberg Maratab Ali Road 469, Thokar Niaz Beg 433, Iqbal Town 408, DHA Phase VIII 407 and Anarkali 410. 

According to the metrological report, the weather would remain clear, cold and dry in the city. The temperature was recorded at 12C. Today, the maximum temperature would remain 26C and a minimum 11C. There is no chance of rain during next 24 hours and humidity level would remain 88%. 

To create awareness for the elimination of smog, a cycle rally was held in Lahore. Lahore Commissioner Capt ® Muhammad Usman and Lahore DC Umar Sher Chattah led the rally. The city commissioner was of the view that the purpose of cycle rally was to create an awareness among citizens regarding less use of vhicles. He appealed to the citizens to reduce number of vehicles on roads to half for one month so that the level of smog could be brought down.

In Faisalabad, the level of pollution was recorded 165AQ. In several areas, the intensity of smog has started rising. In industrial areas, the visibility was still low. 

On Jhang, Sumandari and Sargodha roads, the visibility level was recorded 900 meters and on Sheikhupura, Jaranwala and adjoining areas, the visibility was recorded 1,300 meters. According to the weather report, there is no change of wind blowing and rain.

 

Reporters Komal Aslam, Rana Faran Yameen, Rao Dilshad Hussain, Abdul Rehman