Schools, offices in Lahore to remain shut three days a week due to smog

Decision to remain in effect from Nov 27 to Jan 15; Punjab CM vows all-out measures to tackle worsening air pollution

LAHORE:

Authorities in Lahore have decided to shut all schools and offices three days a week in view of the smog conditions in the provincial capital.

According to a notification issued by the Punjab government, the public schools and offices will remain closed in Lahore from November 27 to January 15 – on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

The educational institutions, however, will be able to organise online classes to keep up with the academic planning. Likewise, private companies would allow their employees to work from home during the closure.

Meanwhile, in his statement, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said the authorities will take every step necessary to overcome the smog situation.

Also read: ‘Smog calamity’ declared in Punjab

He added that a ban has already been placed on setting industrial material, crop leftover and tires on fire, to avoid a deterioration of the issue.

Buzdar made it clear that no laxity will be tolerated in terms of the government's efforts to improve air quality in the province.

It merits mentioning here that the Air Quality Index has reached dangerous levels in the provincial capital.

The city has reportedly been amongst the most polluted cities in the world for the past several days. On Sunday too, the air quality in Lahore was recorded at 370.

Also read: Rural Islamabad chokes on toxic smog

The situation is feared to give rise to common ailments including flu, cough, as well as other infections, such as those related to skin.

A day earlier, the CM said special powers have been delegated to the deputy commissioners to monitor the measures taken to deal with smog, which was declared a calamity in Punjab for safeguarding lives.

He had also announced the setting up of a smog monitoring cell in the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), which would operate round the clock, as well as the formation of anti-smog squads in Lahore with an expanded scope.