Schools reopen amid smog

Authorities outline SOPs to ensure safety with lingering environmental concerns

RAWALPINDI:

Schools and colleges across the Rawalpindi Division are reopening on Tuesday (today) after a temporary closure due to smog. This decision was made jointly by the Department of Environmental Protection, District Administration, and Education Department, ensuring the resumption of classes with safety measures.

All government and private educational institutions in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal districts will resume normal operations from today. To maintain a safe and healthy environment, strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been enforced, including 100% attendance for teachers and non-teaching staff.

Environment Department's Director General, Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh has issued a notification confirming the reopening. The directive mandates physical attendance for both students and staff, with no exemptions for online learning or closures in the Rawalpindi Division. Educational institutions in Murree district, which remained operational, will continue to function as usual.

The Education Department has outlined new guidelines for schools to ensure safety amid lingering environmental concerns. Masks are now compulsory for all teachers, students, and staff. The department has also banned half-sleeved shirts and blouses, prohibited morning assemblies, and suspended outdoor activities such as sports. However, schools are permitted to conduct exams and tests under these new protocols.

These measures aim to provide a safe and uninterrupted learning environment as the region tackles the challenges posed by smog.

'All have to play their part'

To improve air quality and protect the health and life of the public all sectors of society will have to play their part as smog knows no boundaries. Therefore, it is a shared responsibility to work together to reduce pollution levels in our cities. The steps we take today will benefit our generations tomorrow, said Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa.

He made these remarks while addressing the Smog Awareness Symposium and Walk as a chief guest hosted by the Capital Hospital CDA. The event was aimed at raising public awareness about the growing environmental challenges posed by smog and air pollution.

Dr Naeem Taj, who organised and supervised the event, emphasised the importance of collaborative action to curb air pollution and promote clean environments. "Increased levels of air pollution, particularly during winter, pose severe risks to public health. Today's event is not only about awareness but also about sharing practical solutions that individuals, communities, and institutions can implement to reduce their environmental footprint," said Dr Taj.

Anti-Smog Walk

After the symposium, Chairman Randhawa joined participants in the Anti-Smog Walk, which fostered community engagement and underscored the urgent need for sustainable solutions to air pollution. Participants, including healthcare professionals, environmental experts, and local authorities, carried banners with messages advocating for clean air and environmental protection.

The event also featured a Tree Plantation Drive as part of Capital Hospital's ongoing environmental initiatives. Volunteers, hospital staff, and community members planted a variety of trees on the hospital grounds, symbolising a shared commitment to expanding green spaces and mitigating the effects of air pollution.

The symposium and related activities concluded with participants renewing their commitment to tackling air pollution. They pledged to take immediate steps to reduce smog, advocate for stronger environmental policies, and raise awareness about the health impacts of poor air quality.

Chairman Randhawa reiterated the shared responsibility of every citizen to combat pollution, emphasising that sustainable actions today will pave the way for a cleaner and healthier tomorrow.