The Punjab government has considered altering the school schedule or implementing stricter regulations regarding vehicle emissions in response to the ongoing increase in pollution levels.
Lahore, which is currently one of the most polluted cities in the world, faces a severe public health challenge as schoolchildren report respiratory difficulties and shortness of breath.
The provincial capital’s Air Quality Index(AQI) has reached hazardous levels, and Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced that schools will be closed if the situation worsens.
The government has already modified the school hours to reduce the risks associated with the smog for students, Hayat stated. Additional closures may be implemented as preventive measures if the conditions continue to worsen.
He also urged the parents, students, and the general public to contribute to anti-smog efforts, emphasizing that collective action is crucial in addressing the ongoing environmental crisis.
With around 15 million residents, Lahore suffers from both local pollution sources and cross-border pollutants from neighboring regions. Authorities are implementing immediate interventions, including dismantling brick kilns, monitoring vehicle emissions rigorously, and promoting improved waste management practices.
As the government accelerates its anti-smog initiatives, the people of Lahore are urged to support and engage in community efforts to combat the severe pollution affecting the region.
