Lahore is world’s most polluted city with AQI above 700

LAHORE: Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, was declared the world’s most polluted city as the reported Air Quality Index (AQI) went above 700 on Wednesday, October 16. The AQI was shooting above 500 for the fourth consecutive day which worsened to 700 on Thursday, October 11.

“No measures have been taken by the civic body to curb the issue of environmental pollution”, said Lahore High Court on Friday, October 12. Samaa TV, a local media channel, reported that the judge promised to take the matter into his own hands. “Our nation is well aware of everything,” stated the judge.

Delhi, India’s capital, recorded the air pollution level on Wednesday, November 17, in the ‘very poor’ category with the overall AQI clocking at 379. The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and adjoining areas issued a set of guidelines i.e. banning construction activity, closure of public schools, etc.

The Central Air Pollution Control Board stated that the AQI was recorded at 367 in Chandni Chowk, 362 in Indira Gandhi International Airport, 353 in Dilshad Garden, 396 in Mathura Road, 349 in Najafgarh, 393 in ITO and 368 in Sirifort, all falling in the ‘very poor’ category.