Efforts are under way to enforce a “green lockdown” in the Shimla Hill area and its surroundings to address the rising air pollution in Lahore.

Moreover, checkpoints have been established on roads leading to the lockdown areas.

The government agencies have been seen implementing the lockdown, which covers approximately a two-kilometre radius around Shimla Hill. Roadblocks have been set up on Kashmir Road, Egerton Road, Empress Road, and surrounding areas to ensure compliance with regulations. Parking has also been removed in front of the NADRA office.

Authorities have stated that the government is “taking all possible measures” to eliminate smog and provide citizens with a pollution-free environment.

According to a notification, several high-pollution zones (“hotspots”) have been identified.

These include Davis Road, Egerton Road, Durand Road, and Kashmir Road. The areas encompassing Shimla Hill to Gulshan Cinema and Abbot Road are also designated hotspots, as are the areas from Shimla Hill to the Railway Station and Empress Road.

Queen Mary Road and its surrounding areas are also included in the high-pollution zones.

Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court has indicated that there may be a move to implement work-from-home arrangements for two days a week, close schools for two days, and suspend all commercial activities on Sundays.

Justice Shahid Karim, during a hearing on petitions regarding smog mitigation, noted that similar measures were implemented last year. He urged the environmental commission to meet and formulate a decision. Various departments submitted reports during the hearing.