WEB DESK: Air quality levels across major global cities continue to raise alarm, with several urban centres recording “unhealthy” pollution levels on the US Air Quality Index (AQI⁺). Delhi, India, tops the global ranking with an AQI of 195, indicating hazardous conditions for public health. As ever, Lahore, Pakistan, follows closely with 173, while Kolkata ranks third at 169, placing all three South Asian cities firmly in the “unhealthy” category.
Other major cities grappling with poor air quality include Kinshasa (158), Mumbai (157), and Tashkent (151). Beyond South Asia, Baghdad (140) and Sarajevo (130) also reported “unhealthy for sensitive groups” levels, reflecting widespread regional pollution concerns. Meanwhile, Dhaka (123) and Karachi (119) round off the top ten, with air quality still well above safe thresholds.
Earlier, the Punjab government revived its long-delayed Green Corridor project, aimed at transforming the 40-kilometre railway track from Shahdara to Raiwind into lush green belts to combat smog and pollution in Lahore. Spanning 700 kanals, the Rs2.35 billion initiative will be completed in a year and divided into four phases, Shahdara to the railway station, the station to Walton, Walton to Kot Lakhpat, and Kot Lakhpat to Raiwind.
The project, jointly executed by the Housing Department, Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) and Pakistan Railways, will include recreational areas and refurbished railway coaches converted into libraries and cafes. Originally launched in 2016 under the PML-N government at an estimated cost of Rs820 million, the project was halted during the PTI tenure. Officials say the plan has been revived under the current leadership, with environmental sustainability now a top provincial priority. The PC-1 has been submitted to the Planning and Development Department for approval.