To address the escalating smog crisis in Lahore, the Punjab Environment Protection Department has announced new school timings for the city.
This will be effective from October 28, schools will open at 8:45 am and maintain these hours until January 31.
This decision comes as Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has exceeded 150, presenting significant health risks, particularly for children and the elderly.
To reduce exposure, school assemblies will be conducted indoors, and all outdoor activities have been prohibited.
Additionally, fireworks have been banned until January 31, 2025. The public is advised to limit outdoor activities, wear masks when outside, and keep windows and doors closed to prevent smog from entering homes.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has called on citizens to support government efforts to combat smog. She urged the public to report any vehicles and factories emitting smoke by calling the helpline 1373, assuring that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would take action.
Aurangzeb also encouraged individuals to have their vehicles checked for fitness to help mitigate the smog issue.
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Lahore has been ranked as the most polluted city in the world, according to data from IQAir released on October 22. The city’s air quality index (AQI) has surpassed the hazardous level of 400, indicating extremely poor air quality, which is roughly 80 times more polluted than what is considered healthy.
