Govt rules out schools closure

More than 30 factories closed amid anti-pollution operations

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has decided against closing schools and colleges or imposing restrictions on market timings across the province amid a reported decline in smog levels and forecasts of rain over the coming days.

The Environment Protection Department has not submitted any proposal to the provincial government for closing educational institutions or imposing a lockdown in markets, according to departmental officials.

The department said smog levels in October this year were 33% lower than those recorded during the same month last year.

A survey also indicated a 27% decline.

Experts said smog levels generally continued to rise until November 15, after which they began to decline.

They attributed the expected improvement partly to the wheat-sowing season and a reduction in the burning of crop residues.

Meanwhile, the transport department and traffic police have been conducting daily operations at Lahore's entry points against vehicles emitting excessive smoke.

The Environment Protection Department has also closed more than 30 factories involved in burning tyres and imposed fines amounting to millions of rupees.

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) and Environment Protection Department are using smog guns and washing roads to reduce air pollution.

Deputy Director Environment Lahore Ali Ejaz said, on the directions of Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, more than 30 factories involved in tyre burning had been shut down and fined.

He said smog levels had improved, with October recording a 33% decline compared with the corresponding period last year.

He expected a further gradual improvement after November 15.

Ejaz said no proposal had so far been submitted by any department this year to close schools and colleges or impose market restrictions as a measure to control smog.

Rain forecast prompts PDMA to issue alert

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has directed relevant departments to remain on alert ahead of forecast rain in several districts over the next two days.

According to a PDMA spokesperson, rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Mianwali, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Attock, Chakwal, Khushab, Bhakkar, Sargodha, Murree and adjoining areas.

Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad and Sheikhupura are also likely to receive rain.

Strong winds and rain are forecast in Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Multan and surrounding areas, with hailstorms possible at isolated locations.