As Lahore continues to be affected by the respiratory crisis, it has been requested that all institutions including schools, colleges and universities be closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The aim is to reduce the impact of the recent bad weather conditions which have reached alarming levels.
The proposal also mentions the implementation of “green locks” in key areas such as Gulberg, Liberty, MM Alam Road and Main Market as well as in the nearby Shimla Pahari communities. These measures are designed to minimize pollution and protect the health of the residents. The Divisional Commissioner and Minister of Environment, Lahore will forward the applications to Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb for consideration.
It is also worth noting that yesterday authorities announced that primary schools would be closed for a week due to heavy pollution. Senior Minister of Environment Jahangir Anwar confirmed that all classes for children under the age of 10, including public, private and special schools, would be suspended from Monday to Saturday.
The weather forecast shows that the general weather pattern will continue for the next six days, leading to persistent pollution. The decision is aimed at protecting the health of millions of children exposed to the dangerous smog that has enveloped the city.
Lahore Haze Holiday
The final decision on closing schools and implementing additional measures will depend on Minister Aurangzeb’s assessment of the emergency and its potential impact on public health. The measure is aimed at reducing the adverse effects of air pollution in the region.
Due to severe weather conditions on Sunday, colleges in Lahore were closed for the week and the air quality index was above 1,000. Education authorities in Punjab have also cancelled classes for students below the fifth grade, while older students will continue to attend classes. PM2.5 levels are reported to be around 30 times higher than the safety limit set by the World Health Organization.
Despite the government’s efforts, Lahore’s AQI crossed the 500 mark on Monday. Authorities have brought the crisis under control and have asked 50% of office workers to work from home due to bad weather conditions.
The city’s air pollution reached 1900 last weekend, making it the most polluted city in the world. Citizens are staying home and wearing masks.
