LAHORE – Authorities are mulling over a plan to extend the weekly holidays for schools from two to three in Lahore from November 2024 amid increasing smog level in the city.
If the plan is approved, students will get an additional weekly holiday on Friday along with Saturday and Sunday from next month so their exposure to hazardous smog could be reduced.
A spokesperson for Punjab’s Environment Protection Agency said a decision in this regard will be taken in upcoming review in first week of November. He said timings of educational institutions are also likely to be changed.
The IQ Air rankings for cities showed Lahore is the second most polluted city in the world with Air Quality Index standing at 215, very unhealthy.
Green Lockdown Imposed in Lahore
Lahore administration imposed ‘Greeen Lockdown’ in several parts of the metropolis to control toxis smog levels.
Despite several measures, smog level continues to stay over 500, and in decisive move to combat escalating air pollution, Lahore officials announced lockdown in several regions.
The locations include Abbot Road (from Shimla Hill to Gulistan Cinema), Empress Road (from Shimla Hill to Railway Headquarters), Queen Mary Road (from Durand Road to Allama Iqbal Road), as well as Davis Road, Egerton Road, and Kashmir Road.
DG Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh implemented a “green lockdown” targeting specific pollution hotspots.
