Lahore braces for worsening smog as Diwali pollution threatens to cross border

Air quality in Lahore and surrounding border districts is likely to deteriorate from Sunday night until Monday morning. The report recorded Lahore's average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 272 on November 7, rising to 335 by 1pm on November 8.

At the same time, the AQI reading stood at 294, compared with 163 at the corresponding time a day earlier. Satellite images from NASA reportedly showed a thicker layer of haze and pollution over India's Punjab and Haryana on November 8 compared with the previous day.

The report noted that Amritsar is approximately 50 kilometres from Lahore by air, allowing polluted winds to cross the international border within hours. Easterly winds from India are forecast to blow at speeds of 7 to 11 kilometres per hour.

Fireworks, crop-residue burning and relatively stagnant nighttime winds could further intensify pollution. The department also highlighted widespread crop burning in Indian Punjab. A total of 2,347 incidents had been reported there by November 4, including 1,081 in three districts opposite Lahore and Kasur.

The affected districts included Tarn Taran, with 558 incidents, Ferozepur with 316 and Amritsar with 207. Meanwhile, Delhi's AQI reportedly reached 455 on November 7 before climbing to 744 at 1am on November 8. The department warned that Lahore's pollution levels could remain particularly high until 10am on Monday.

A temporary improvement is expected between 1pm and 5pm, but pollution could rise again at night, with extremely unhealthy conditions potentially continuing into Tuesday. A change in wind direction from Wednesday, November 11, may bring some relief.

Rain and stronger winds on November 12 and 13 could further improve air quality, although the forecast remains uncertain. In Pakistan's Punjab province, 459 crop-residue burning incidents were reported between October 1 and November 4, compared with 637 during the corresponding period last year, representing a 28 per cent decline.

Fifty-seven cases were also registered over the period from October 1 to November 2. The department said round-the-clock monitoring was underway, with special teams deployed at night. Residents have been advised to limit outdoor activities, remain indoors during hazardous pollution conditions and use N95 masks when necessary.

Children, elderly people and those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular diseases have been urged to take extra precautions. The department said it would issue a comparative report on November 10 to assess the actual impact of Diwali celebrations on air quality.