LAHORE (Dunya News) – The Punjab government changed the timing of schools in the provincial metropolis due to worsening smog which have been enforced from today (Monday).
The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Lahore has been reported in excess of 500 on Monday morning.
According to the Schools Education Department, the teaching process in all public and private schools in Lahore will start at 8:45 am from October 28, 2024. The timing will remain applicable till January 31, 2025, a statement of the department said.
The assembly of children will be held in the classrooms. The department has also directed to restrict outdoor activities of the students till the situation improves.
It may be recalled that the Punjab Environment Department had advised the government to change the timings of schools due to smog.
The 500 AQI of Lahore added the city in the list of one of the most polluted cities in the world due to toxic smog from India’s Delhi, Chandigarh and Amritsar.
SMOG SITUATION
A smog alert has been issued in Punjab as the provincial metropolis tops the list of the most polluted cities in the world.
Due to ever-increasing pollution, citizens have been advised to take precautionary measures like using masks while going outdoors, stopping children from playing outside and avoiding travel to heavily polluted areas.
People have been warned to drive carefully due to reduced visibility, especially in the early morning hours and late at night.
Medical experts have advised residents to take precautions to avoid flu, skin allergy, eyesore and other related diseases.
As per environmental experts, the use of substandard fuels such as plastic and rubber especially in the cottage industry around Bund Road is contributing significantly to the deteriorating air quality.
They claimed that the government was not taking effective measures to tackle the issue of air pollution.
Despite Punjab government's strict actions against smog, carbon emissions, stubble burning and transboundary pollution are the main reasons for smog formation.
Similarly, LDA and other institutions are doing patchwork of roads in Lahore due to which movement of heavy machinery is a routine.
Most of the heavy vehicles owned by public departments such as LWMC, Wasa, LDA, MCL, C&W etc lack fitness certificates and were never checked by relevant authorities.
Likewise, EPA claimed taking all measures to tackle smog. A ban has been imposed on the movement of uncovered sand/mud trollies across the province, the EPA officials claimed.
Meanwhile, a ban has also been imposed on use of fireworks in Lahore till January 31, 2025.