The Punjab government declared on Thursday smog calamity in the province amid worsening air pollution and its threat to the citizens.

Deputy commissioners have been delegated powers of relief commissioners to take all necessary measures to control and mitigate smog, according to a notification.

On Thursday morning, Lahore recorded a concerning Air Quality Index of 201, making it the second most polluted city globally, as reported by the air quality monitoring platform iqair.com.

An AQI score below 50 is deemed safe for respiratory health; however, Lahore’s current reading falls within the ‘very unhealthy’ range.

Earlier this week, Lahore was identified as the most polluted city in the world, with AQI levels soaring to 708 points on Monday night.

‘Various activities’ banned

The provincial government has issued a notification imposing a ban on various activities that contribute to pollution across the province.

The restrictions include the burning of all types of crop residues, solid waste, tires, rubber, and plastics. Additionally, vehicles that emit visible smoke and pollutants exceeding acceptable limits are also prohibited.

Industries operating without emission control systems have been banned, as they significantly worsen the AQI.

Furthermore, the provincial government has prohibited all stone crushers that do not utilise wet scrubbers, along with the sale and use of inferior-quality fuels.

All forms of encroachments and parking that obstruct the smooth flow of traffic on public roads would not be permitted, according to the notification.

It added that any activities that generate fugitive dust without proper safeguards would be banned.

Leaves for children vulnerable to poor air

In a related directive, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered all “Schools of Special Education” in Lahore to grant mandatory three-month leave to students with medical conditions exacerbated by poor air quality, effective Friday.

An order issued by Punjab EPA Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh stated that both public and private schools must ensure that students suffering from air quality-related ailments are sent on compulsory leave.

The EPA has specified several medical conditions for which students must be granted leave due to concerns over air quality.

These conditions include broncho-vascular diseases such as chest infections, throat infections, asthma, flu, cough, tuberculosis, pulmonary issues, and allergies, as well as cardio-vascular diseases like angina, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease, along with immunodeficiencies such as Covid-19.

The decision, effective from November 1 (Friday) until January 31, 2025, mandates that all affected students receive this compulsory leave to protect their health during the smog crisis.

Meanwhile, Punjab PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has stated that the government will take action against “negligent and irresponsible officers” during the ongoing smog crisis.

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The administration across the province must implement the government’s measures aimed at combating smog, he said and added that legal action would be initiated against individuals who burn crop residues.

“Citizens should support the government in the fight against environmental pollution,” the PDMA DG urged, noting that a smog emergency is currently in effect. He warned that the government would take a strict stance against violators of such regulations.

“Carelessness from a few individuals should not put the health of hundreds and thousands at risk,” DG Kathia said.