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4 clusters · 7 sources · 25 days · First seen · Last updated

Air pollution crisis in South Asian cities

Overview

Major cities in South Asia are experiencing severe air quality crises. In early October, Lahore was ranked as the world’s most polluted city with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 167. Data showed PM2.5 concentrations in Lahore were 15.2 times higher than World Health Organization annual guidelines, driven by vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and crop stubble burning. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz noted that while pollution levels have declined over the last three years, smog remains a persistent problem.

By mid-October, Dhaka also faced a severe crisis, with AQI readings ranging between 168 and 178. On October 21, IQAir data ranked Dhaka as the sixth most polluted city in the world with an AQI of 167, while Lahore topped the list with a score of 265, followed by Delhi, India, at 257.

As the winter smog season approached in late October, pollution levels escalated further. Lahore was ranked as the second most polluted major city globally with an AQI of 199, while other districts in Pakistan’s Punjab province, including Pakpattan and Multan, reported AQIs exceeding 200. In India, medical experts warned of long-term respiratory risks, noting that children are particularly vulnerable to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can impair lung growth and lead to chronic health issues.

Health experts maintain that when AQI scores exceed 151, it is dangerous for the general public to be outdoors without masks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.

Entities

Lahore · IQAir · Punjab · Dhaka · Maryam Nawaz

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Air pollution levels rise across South Asia as smog season begins

    As smog season begins, Lahore ranks as one of the world's most polluted cities, while doctors in India warn of long-term respiratory damage to children.

  2. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Dhaka ranks sixth globally for most polluted air

    Dhaka ranks sixth globally for air pollution with an AQI of 167, classified as unhealthy. Lahore and Delhi lead the list of most polluted cities.

  3. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Dhaka faces severe air pollution crisis

    Dhaka is facing a severe air quality crisis, ranking as one of the world's most polluted cities with an AQI in the ‘unhealthy’ range, posing significant health risks to residents.

  4. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Lahore ranks as the world’s most polluted city

    Lahore has ranked as the world's most polluted city with an AQI of 167, driven by industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and crop burning, according to IQAir data.

Sources

dailymeezan.com · deshebideshe.com · news18.com · pakistannews.com.pk · sangbad.net · sarabangla.net · thefrontierpost.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history