Green lockdown imposed in Lahore to combat smog

The government of Punjab announced imposing green lockdown in air pollution hotspots of Lahore as precautionary measure today (Wednesday, October 30).

According to the media reports, the government if Punjab has taken the decision of imposing green lockdown in light of the bad air pollution in Lahore due to dense smog ahead of the cold weather. On Monday, the city had an air quality index (AQI) of 532 this morning. Lahore battles pollution each year in winter as temperatures fall and cold air traps construction dust, vehicle emissions, and smoke.

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The government has imposed restrictions on Davis Road, Egerton Road, Durand Road, Kashmir Road, Abbott Road (from Shimla Hill to Gulistan Cinema), Empress Road (from Shimla Hill to Railway Headquarters), and Queen Marry Road (from Durand Road to Allama Iqbal Road).

According to a notification, the government has prohibited building operations in the aforementioned locations, as well as the use of ching-chi rikshaws and commercial generators. Furthermore, open food cooking and BBQ points after 8 p.m., food outlets that use charcoal, coal, or wood without a competent emission control system, marquees and marriage halls after 10 p.m., and dry sweeping have also been prohibited.

The notification said, “The government as well as private offices, operating in the above mentioned areas, shall make necessary arrangements to switch over to work from home policy (50% on rotation/ need basis). Car parking should also be restricted as per guidelines issued from Chief Traffic Officer.”