Punjab unveils satellite system to track air pollution

New technology to monitor pollution

The Punjab Environment Protection and Climate Change Department (EP&CCD) has unveiled new upgrade its air quality system by launching satellite system to trach air pollution in collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

The upgraded AQI Punjab Dashboard combines information from 59 air quality monitoring stations, satellites and weather systems.

This will allow officials to receive real-time information about pollution levels and get forecasts about possible changes in air quality.

Pollution hotspots can be identified

The new air quality monitoring system is designed to help authorities identify areas facing high pollution levels.

It can also help officials understand where pollution is coming from. This could make it easier to target major sources instead of taking the same action across the entire province.

Officials will also be able to prepare for periods when pollution is expected to become particularly severe.

EPA Punjab Director General Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh said the province has significantly expanded its monitoring network.

Punjab had only three monitoring stations in Lahore in 2024. The network has now grown to 59 stations across the province.

The department plans to increase this number further to 100 stations.

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Faster action against pollution

The expanded AQI Punjab Dashboard could also help government agencies respond more quickly when pollution levels rise.

Officials are using the information to take action against major pollution sources, including dust and industrial emissions.

Measures such as mist cannons are already being used in some areas to reduce pollution. Authorities are also carrying out sector-wise enforcement against sources contributing to poor air quality.

The use of satellite information is expected to give officials a wider picture of pollution across Punjab.

Instead of depending only on individual monitoring stations, authorities can combine station readings with satellite and weather data to understand how pollution is moving and changing.

What this could mean for Punjab

The upgraded air quality monitoring system is expected to improve both pollution tracking and forecasting.

It could help authorities identify dangerous pollution areas earlier and take action before conditions become worse.

The system may also provide a better understanding of how dust, industrial emissions and weather conditions affect air quality across the province.