LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to keep all schools closed for another week, with the exception of Murree, in an attempt to alleviate the dangerous smog conditions that have been present for the last few weeks.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said at a news conference in Lahore today that in order to protect students, colleges and universities would go to online learning. The Punjab administration proclaimed a “health emergency” in Multan and Lahore, which are the hardest affected by pollution. In addition to stating that the government will make another choice on Wednesday, the provincial minister said that a complete lockdown will be implemented in Multan and Lahore on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
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In an effort to reduce student exposure to contaminated air, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) first prohibited schools and colleges in the districts of Lahore and Faisalabad, along with a number of other districts, from November 7 through November 17, 2024. Additionally, the EPA moved classroom activities online. The new directive, communicated to department heads and secretaries, requires that half of the staff work from home, while the remaining employees will continue to work on-site. All interdepartmental meetings will be conducted online, and individuals who commute to work are encouraged to carpool in order to mitigate the emissions of vehicles that contribute to air pollution.
The government has attributed the deteriorating pollution to the increased emissions of vehicles, which have resulted in an increase in respiratory diseases. The Environment Department has requested the immediate implementation of commuting measures and the remote work model to alleviate road traffic and further reduce pollutants.
The government’s latest move, which followed the ongoing efforts to combat hazardous pollution, likewise complied with such measures, including extending school closures for an additional week.
“In order to prevent additional pollution, construction activities in the two cities will be prohibited from this Saturday until next Sunday,” the provincial minister continued.
In addition, the minister declared that the restaurants in Lahore and Multan would henceforth only provide takeout until 8 p.m. and allow eating in until 4 p.m.
