Lahore imposes ‘green lockdown’ in several areas

As the smog level prevails in Lahore, the Punjab government has imposed a ‘green lockdown‘ in many parts of the provincial capital to control the level of toxic smog.

Despite several measures, the city remained one of the most polluted cities in the world with an air quality index (AQI) of 532 this morning. In a decisive move to deal with this rising air pollution, Lahore authorities have announced a lockdown in several areas.

The restrictions are placed in several locations including Abbott Road (from Shimla Hill to Gulistan Cinema), Empress Road (from Shimla Hill to Railway Headquarters), Queen Mary Road (Durand Road to Allama Iqbal Road), Davis Road, Egerton Road, Durand Road, Kashmir Road.

DG Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab Dr. Imran Hamid Shaikh has implemented a green lockdown targeting the above-mentioned pollution hotspots.

These worst-hit areas of the metropolis will face several restrictions, including a complete ban on construction activities, and rickshaw pullers will not be allowed to enter these areas. Commercial generators violating Punjab’s environmental standards will also be banned.

All open cooking and BBQ setups must be shut down as soon as possible, food outlets are prohibited from using charcoal, coal, or wood unless equipped with a proper emission control system. Moreover, marriage halls will be closed after 10 pm.

Officials also directed wet sweeping by Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC). Government and private offices operating in these zones are required to implement a work-from-home policy from November 4, 2024, with 50 percent rotation based on need.

The measures are part of the government’s efforts to tackle the acute air quality crisis affecting the provincial capital, aimed on protecting public health and reducing pollution levels.