Bad air quality: Punjab govt announces to close schools for one week

The Punjab government announced the closure of primary schools in Lahore for one week in response to the worsening smog and deteriorating air quality in the city.

The schools will close from November 4 to 9, according to a notification from Punjab’s Environment Department.

Senior provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized the need to prioritize the health and safety of students amid the ongoing air pollution crisis.

The decision comes as Lahore grapples with severe air pollution levels that have soared to alarming heights, affecting the health of residents, particularly children. Lahore consistently ranks among the most polluted cities globally, prompting urgent action from authorities.

Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that air currents from India have been directed toward Lahore for the past week, resulting in increasing smog. “We cannot resolve this issue without engaging in talks with India,” the minister said.

“When Maryam Nawaz talked about climate diplomacy some miscreants started politics over it,” Aurangzeb said.

She said that the Green Lockdown will be enforced strictly. “In case of non-cooperation the city’s industries will be locked down,” minister said.

She stated that authorities will arrest farmers who burn residue on agricultural lands.

Lahore authorities have intensified their actions against individuals involved in stubble burning across smog-affected districts of Punjab, including Lahore.

Some farmers clear their fields by burning the residue left after harvesting to prepare the land for the next round of cultivation, which has become one of the biggest contributors to air pollution.

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