The Punjab government is considering closing all public and private colleges and universities in Lahore as smog levels continue to rise. Lahore has held the title of the world’s most polluted city for the third week in a row, it has reported. Primary schools are closed due to heavy pollution.
To help reduce emissions, the Punjab government has banned heavy vehicles from entering Lahore on Friday and Sunday. Winds brought by smoke from burning crops in India have made Lahore’s air very bad.
Air quality in Lahore reached hazardous levels on Monday morning, with an overall AQI of 414. 10 Tel: 404. In response, the Punjab government imposed a “green lockdown” in parts of Lahore to combat air pollution. Some areas are now classified as hazardous due to the thick fog that blankets the city every morning.
Additional measures include limiting the working hours of construction sites, barbecues and rickshaw operations to limit the amount of smoke that causes smog. Meanwhile, Multan continues to face environmental problems, with the air index reaching an alarming 657, making it one of the most polluted cities. But local governments remain largely inactive.
Farmers in Narowal continue to burn their crops illegally, causing respiratory and skin diseases among residents. City officials said they will respond to the report and warn farmers to stop working or face heavy fines. Concerned residents have urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the Narowal Government to take action against the perpetrators.
Parents and communities to work with the government to resolve the crisis. Bad breath not only affects students, it is also more dangerous for Lahore’s population of about 15 million.
Pollution from the local environment and neighbors has a significant impact on the city’s air quality. While steps are being taken now, including monitoring vehicle emissions and addressing pollution, authorities acknowledge that major improvements could take eight to 10 years.
