Severe Smog in Lahore May Lead To School Closure

According to a formal statement released on Monday, interim Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has called a crucial meeting to complete plans to battle smog and air pollution in the province, particularly Lahore.

The provincial capital’s educational institutions, commercial markets, factories, and offices would all be closed on Wednesdays as part of the proposed regulations.

The meeting will be attended by provincial ministers, the chief secretary, the police head, environmental experts, and other relevant officials.

Following consideration of the pollution situation, the final decision will be made with the support of all parties.

Also Read: Punjab Govt Considers Weekly School Shutdowns Amid Smog Concerns

Following the meeting, a press conference will be held by the provincial ministers of information and the environment to brief the media on the smog-control decisions made.

The government is rumoured to announce a total shutdown on Wednesdays, with all businesses closed, including markets, factories, and schools.

According to the suggestion, government departments will work half-time on Wednesday, according to the sources, who also stated that snap-checking was also suggested to be done on Saturday and Sunday during the weekend.

The city’s peculiar traffic patterns are the primary cause of the smog, while factory emissions only account for 7% of Lahore’s overall pollution.

Additionally, it was suggested, per sources, to levy heavy fines on factories that broke the law and to close them in the event that they continued to disregard the rules.

The sources shared that the highest level of smog is recorded on the first three days of the week — Monday to Wednesday.

Commenting on the proposal, Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa said the authorities will announce a work-from-home policy for two months to combat smog in the Lahore Division.