Punjab Launches Advanced Satellite-Based Air Quality Forecasting System, Plans 100 Monitoring Stations
LAHORE – The Punjab Environment Protection and Climate Change Department (EP&CCD) has significantly upgraded its environmental monitoring capabilities by launching new forecasting and satellite-based features for the province’s real-time air quality dashboard. This pivotal development, unveiled in collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) on the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, marks a major step in combating air pollution across Punjab.
The enhanced AQI Punjab Dashboard is the first platform of its kind in Pakistan to receive international recognition from ICIMOD. It integrates data from 59 state-of-the-art air quality monitoring stations (AQMS) installed across Punjab, combining this with satellite information, weather data, and advanced air pollution forecasting systems to provide real-time air quality insights without human intervention.
Strengthening Environmental Governance Through Technology
Speaking at the launch, EPA Punjab Director General Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh highlighted the substantial progress made over the past two years in strengthening environmental governance. He emphasized the department’s commitment to modern technology, digital monitoring, and science-based decision-making. The new system is designed to help the EP&CCD better understand pollution sources, identify critical hotspots, and accurately predict how air quality may change in the coming hours and days across the province.
Expanding the Monitoring Network
A key component of this initiative is the significant expansion of Punjab’s air quality monitoring network. What began with just three stations in Lahore in 2024 has now grown to 59 state-of-the-art AQMS across Punjab. The EP&CCD has further announced plans to expand this network to a total of 100 stations throughout the province, ensuring comprehensive coverage and more granular data collection.
This extensive monitoring is complemented by practical measures aimed at reducing pollution. These include the deployment of mist cannons to suppress fugitive dust and enhanced sector-wise enforcement against major sources of emissions, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to environmental protection.
Proactive Measures for Cleaner Air
Accurate and timely air quality information is crucial for taking effective action against pollution. The new satellite-based air quality forecasting system will empower government departments to identify areas with high pollution levels, prepare for severe pollution episodes, and implement timely measures to control emissions. This proactive approach is expected to improve air pollution monitoring, forecasting, public information dissemination, and overall government response, enabling authorities to take faster and better-informed actions to enhance air quality across Punjab.
The initiative receives vital support from ICIMOD’s Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action Programme (HI-REAP), which is funded by the UK Department for International Development through its Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) initiative, underscoring international collaboration in addressing regional environmental challenges.
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