Punjab proposes wedding ban from October to December to combat smog

The Punjab government presented a new smog mitigation policy to the Lahore High Court, outlining restrictions on weddings during peak smog season as part of broader efforts to tackle pollution.

Advocate General Punjab announced that from next year, residents will be prohibited from holding weddings between October and December.

In a statement to the court, the advocate general said the government had allocated a budget for the first time specifically for anti-smog initiatives.

The plan aims to reduce pollution through seasonal restrictions, such as limiting weddings, which are traditionally high in traffic and energy consumption, during the months with the worst air quality.

The court commended the government, stating, "This administration has implemented better measures than previous governments." The court encouraged extending the policy to other districts, praising efforts to distribute super seeders to farmers as a positive step toward sustainable practices.

The court further highlighted global practices, noting that in many countries, shops close by 5 PM to reduce emissions, unlike in Pakistan, where businesses stay open well into the night.

The judge suggested the government could implement a one-dish restriction on weddings and reduce celebrations to a single event, instead of the current three.

The court adjourned the hearing until 15 November, urging the government to consider a permanent smog policy.

Punjab is currently in the grip of smog with its capital, Lahore, being the most polluted city in the world. Data indicate that Lahore's air quality index (AQI) is nearly 74 times above the World Health Organization's recommended limit, reaching a hazardous level of 588 on average.

In various city areas on Monday, the AQI levels range from 565 to as high as 1,045, but this was significantly lower than the 1,900 level the index touched in places earlier this month. A score of 0-50 is considered good.

The primary pollutant in Lahore's air, PM2.5, consists of fine particulate matter that is hazardous to human health due to its microscopic size. PM2.5 particulates are less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter about 3% the thickness of a human hair.

As these particulates are light and remain airborne for extended periods, they pose a higher risk of inhalation. These are small enough to evade the body's natural defences, penetrating deep into the lungs and even entering the bloodstream, leading to even fatal diseases.

As Punjab takes these initial steps, Lahore's residents are urged to limit outdoor activities, use air purifiers where possible, and wear masks to reduce exposure to airborne pollutants. The Punjab Environmental Department is expected to adjust lockdown measures as necessary.