Smog and fog continue to plague Punjab, with Lahore ranking as the most polluted city in the world. This morning, the air quality index soared to 812, prompting urgent measures.
Due to the severe fog, several motorways are closed, and a complete lockdown is set to take effect today and tomorrow in Lahore and Multan.
In response to the worsening air quality, the provincial government has imposed a one-week ban on construction activities, and schools will remain closed for an additional week.
Outpatient departments (OPDs) in government hospitals will operate until 8 PM, with medical staff’s leave canceled to ensure adequate healthcare services.
To address the deteriorating smog situation, government attendance has been reduced to 50 percent, with a notification issued mandating that half of the employees work from home.
Inter-departmental meetings will transition to online formats, and all departments have been instructed to comply with these measures.
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Smog forces closure of schools in 10 Punjab districts on Saturday
In a bid to combat the smog, successful artificial rain experiments have been conducted through cloud seeding in Jhelum and Gujarkhan, and rain is anticipated in Lahore as well. Experts believe that this rain could significantly alleviate smog levels.
The smog crisis has reached critical proportions in Lahore and across Punjab, severely disrupting daily life.
Citizens are struggling with health issues related to air quality, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, who are facing significant breathing difficulties.
Business activities have slowed, the educational process has been heavily impacted, and traveling during the day has become increasingly difficult.
The situation worsens at night, prompting the provincial government and local authorities to implement measures to support those affected by the ongoing challenges posed by smog.
