Dissemination of fake air quality index against national interest: minister

LAHORE: Dissemination of fake air quality index (AQI) was against the national interest, a government official said.

Addressing a hurriedly called press conference, Punjab Minister for Environment Muhammad Rizwan said that vested interests were showing much higher pollution level in Lahore by sharing data gathered through cheap devices.

The minister shared Environment Protection Agency’s report on the issuance of fake AQI by some individuals and said that despite the limited resources, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) teams continued to measure the air quality and disseminated real time AQI.

The Punjab government has approved Rs90 million for the purpose and the amount would be dispersed soon.

As per the report, comparison of air quality monitored through AQMS of EPA and cheap sensors installed at various locations dispelled the impression of Lahore as one of most polluted cities in the world.

The report rejected the Air Quality Index being displayed on AirVisual website; calling it a fraud, as it gave an impression of calculating AQI on internationally certified devices.

It said the fake AQI is an attempt to defame Pakistan at a time when many investors are showing their interest to setup businesses, while tourists from across the world are visiting the country.

The EPA conducted its comparison survey from November 6 to 14 at five spots, including the US Consulate site near Shimla Pahari, Dawn Bread Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate, DHA Bedian Road, Zoology Department of the Punjab University and Model Town.

The comparative study showed that the AQMS installed at the US Consulate Lahore was using reliable monitoring device of Beta Attenuation Method (BAM) similar to the Punjab EPA’s monitor and its results were found similar to the EPA’s air quality data.

However, a difference of location and method of calculation of AQI was observed during comparison of the data. This was also revealed that the air quality monitoring station in the US Consulate in Lahore was dysfunctional since October 22, owing to maintenance work.

The report continues that the remaining four sites used particulate matter sensors, which were giving measurement of PM2.5 and AQI, publishing directly on website without any validation, showing exaggerated results.

The EPA team identified two types of sensors made of some Purple Air and Air Visual companies. The report noted that these kinds of sensors were made for indoor air quality for workers. These sensors give highest concentration of PM2.5 at the time of dew fall or foggy days.

It also noted that these sensors also lack any calibration systems, which ensure the quality assurance of the data.

“All these factors lead to the elevated measurement of PM2.5 in the air, which, in turn, show higher AQI than the actual one.”

Special Assistant to Punjab Chief Minister for Information Hasaan Khawar said that keeping environment clean would remain a distant dream without sincere cooperation of the people.

The people should play their role by registering complaints on the helpline regarding violations of the government orders on smog.