In the midst of the government's efforts to combat smog, Lahore has once again ranked as the world's most hazardous city. Despite a smart lockdown and traffic bans on the Mall Road, the air quality index (AQI) in Lahore remained hazardous, recording an average of 356 on Sunday.
The government took drastic measures, closing vehicular traffic on the Mall Road and promoting cycling as an alternative mode of transportation. However, the AQI around the Mall Road still reached 458 in the morning. In an unexpected turn, a group of youngsters was even spotted playing cricket on the Mall Road during the lockdown, showcasing a lack of awareness about the dangers of smog.
The government had imposed a smart lockdown in six divisions of Punjab, including Lahore, to address the smog issue. Despite these efforts, some markets and shops in Lahore were found open, raising concerns about adherence to lockdown restrictions.
Despite awareness campaigns, the real-time air quality rankings in Lahore remained high, with the US consulate recording a ranking of 443. The situation is alarming, especially considering Lahore's top ranking in the list of the world's most polluted cities.
Citizens in Lahore organized a bicycle rally to raise awareness about the damages of smog, emphasizing the campaign slogan "Ride a bicycle, drive away smog." The rally aimed to encourage people to actively participate in making the city smog-free.
In conclusion, the persistent hazardous air quality in Lahore despite anti-smog measures calls for increased awareness and strict adherence to safety guidelines. The government's initiatives, including smart lockdowns and cycling promotions, need robust public cooperation to effectively combat the smog crisis in the city.
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