The Punjab government has approved a local holiday in Lahore on February 6 on the occasion of Basant, following a recommendation by the district administration.

According to sources, the holiday has been declared to allow citizens to participate in Basant festivities.

The district administration had initially proposed a holiday on February 5, after which the Punjab government approved February 6 as the official local holiday for Lahore.

The Deputy Commissioner of Lahore has directed that children under the age of 18 may celebrate Basant in the presence of their families to ensure safety and maintain order during the traditional festival.

He said the government and relevant departments would ensure that citizens are able to celebrate Basant peacefully and in a secure environment.

Crackdown on chemical-coated strings

Meanwhile, Lahore Police have intensified operations against the illegal supply and sale of kites and chemical-coated strings ahead of Basant celebrations.

During raids in Baghbanpura and Shahdara Town, police arrested four suspects and recovered a large quantity of kites and chemical-coated string.

According to a Lahore Police spokesperson, Baghbanpura police arrested two kite dealers, identified as Sohail and Zaheer.

Police seized a pickup vehicle, around 2,000 kites worth millions of rupees, and 20 reels of chemical-coated string from their possession.

In a separate operation, Shahdara Town police arrested two suspects, Faizan and Khalid, and registered cases against them after recovering 300 kites and 10 reels of chemical-coated string.

Police said the suspects were illegally procuring and supplying kites despite an ongoing ban.

Lahore divided into three zones

Authorities have divided Lahore into red, yellow and green zones for Basant festivities.

Sensitive and densely populated areas have been declared red zones, where strict restrictions on Basant celebrations will be enforced.

Moderately sensitive areas fall under yellow zones, while safer areas have been designated green zones.

Lahore Police said modern surveillance technology will be used during Basant, including drone cameras, social media monitoring, and special control rooms to oversee the city.

Strict action will be taken against individuals involved in rooftop drinking, aerial firing, and other illegal activities during the festivities, police warned.