LAHORE – The air pollution levels in Punjab capital remains unhealthy despite stern measures taken by provincial authorities, badly affecting school-going students and vulnerable members, also causing schools closures.
Amid worsening smog crisis, Lahore High Court (LHC) recommended that schools in Lahore remain closed for three days a week. This suggestion by Justice Shahid Karim comes as part of broader set of measures aimed at mitigating environmental disaster that gripped Lahore, and other cities of Punjab.
Smog Holidays for Schools Update
In latest hearing, LHC judge pushed for urgent need for stricter anti-smog actions, including temporary ban on construction activities and long weekend for schools. Officials observed that the smog situation already disrupted academic calendar, with schools recently reopening after a three-week closure due to the toxic air.
Despite marginal gains in mayhem, LHC judge warned that leniency in enforcement could reverse these gains as he urged implementation of phased restrictions instead of sudden relaxations, to ensure that smog levels continue to decrease.
Schools opening Notification for Punjab after end of Smog Holidays
In previous orders, the court directed schools to arrange buses for students or face potential closures. The transport department was instructed to adopt AI-powered e-tagging systems to monitor vehicle emissions, while government vehicles are required to undergo checks within the next 10 days.
Lahore continues to remain under soaring AQI exceeding 200, which is considered hazardous. The court’s decision also reflects a growing consensus that anti-smog efforts must extend beyond Lahore to all of Punjab, in order to curb the growing pollution crisis in the region.
Lahore still amongst most polluted cities despite reduction in smog intensity
