Lahore’s administration on Wednesday implemented a “Green Lockdown” across multiple areas to curb the alarming rise in air pollution.
Despite prior measures, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remains above 500, prompting authorities to enforce restrictions to mitigate health risks and environmental impact.
The lockdown targets some of the city’s most polluted zones, including Abbot Road (Shimla Hill to Gulistan Cinema), Empress Road (Shimla Hill to Railway Headquarters), Queen Mary Road (Durand Road to Allama Iqbal Road), as well as Davis Road, Egerton Road, and Kashmir Road. DG Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab, Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, announced the lockdown, highlighting these areas as pollution hotspots in need of immediate intervention.
Under the restrictions, construction activities are banned, and Chingchi rickshaws are prohibited from entering affected areas. Businesses and households operating commercial generators that fail to meet Punjab’s Environmental Quality Standards are also restricted.
Additionally, food vendors are instructed to cease all open-air cooking and BBQ setups early and are barred from using charcoal, coal, or wood unless they employ emissions control systems. Marriage halls in the affected areas must close by 10 PM.
Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) is tasked with conducting wet sweeping across these regions to reduce dust particles contributing to the smog.
Offices, both public and private, within these zones have been directed to implement work-from-home protocols from November 4, 2024, with a 50% rotation to minimize on-site personnel.
