Lahore Schools May Close Three Days a Week Under New Proposal

LAHORE: Lahore, the capital of Punjab, Pakistan, has ordered all schools to close for at least three days each week, from Friday to Sunday, due to worsening air quality from rising smog levels. This decision was made to protect children’s health as smog continues to escalate.

In early November, environmental officials will analyze the proposal and make a final decision.

In addition to announcing the three-day break, the Punjab Department of Education also mentioned that discussions are now underway to change the school schedule. The action was taken in response to the fact that the average air quality index (AQI) in Lahore was 208, with significant variances seen throughout various city locations.

The spokesperson of the Environmental Protection Department, Punjab, said, “Children’s health is our top priority. A final decision regarding revised school hours will be made after the smog review meeting in early November.”

Lahore, the capital of Punjab province, is considered the second most polluted city in the world and the worst polluted city in Pakistan. Smog is the main reason for that.

The government doesn’t know how to reduce the smog, but the provincial government is trying to lessen its effects by putting green lockdowns in Lahore areas that are very polluted. Lockdown restrictions apply to the following areas: Abbott Road, Empress Road, and the region around Queen Mary Road.

Notification for Green Lockdowns

The Environmental Protection Department announced the green lockdown, which means that construction can’t happen in certain places. Not only that, but commercial generators and auto-rickshaws are no longer allowed on the premises. The notice also states that some areas are off-limits to outdoor barbecues after 8 p.m.

Pakistani and Indian officials are considering launching a “smog diplomacy,” according to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The chief executive of Punjab has announced that she will be draughting a letter to the chief executive of Punjab in India, Bhagwant Mann, urging the two countries to work together and devise a strategy to combat the deteriorating pollution conditions that are affecting both nations.

A big problem for the Punjab government is smog, which is quickly hurting the air quality in Lahore and other places in the province.

Over the past few days, hospitals have seen an influx of small children presenting with pediatric and respiratory problems. According to the Lahore medical community, the number of reported cases has surged by 50% in just one month.