In response to worsening smog conditions in Lahore, the Punjab government has declared a one-week closure of primary schools. Senior provincial minister Maryam Aurangzeb announced this measure during a press conference, highlighting the urgent need to protect children and vulnerable populations from the hazardous air quality.
Aurangzeb noted that persistent wind patterns bringing air from India complicate the situation, stating, “We cannot stop or redirect the Indian air, and the only solution is dialogue.” Alongside the school closures, the government has advised that 50% of the workforce should work from home to minimize exposure to pollution. Parents are encouraged to provide masks for their children and keep them indoors as much as possible.
Also Read: Punjab Implements Green Lockdown To Tackle Smog Crisis
To address the smog crisis, the government has implemented measures such as a ban on certain vehicles near green zones. Additionally, Aurangzeb mentioned that technology for artificial rain, previously sourced from the UAE, is now locally available and will be deployed when conditions allow.
The air quality in Lahore has reached alarming levels, with PM2.5 pollutant concentrations peaking at 610, nearly 40 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limits. The air quality index (AQI) surged to 1,067, far surpassing the ‘dangerous’ threshold of 300. Lahore currently ranks third on the global air pollution index, trailing behind Delhi and Kinshasa.
Winds from India have exacerbated the pollution, with regions near the Indian border recording AQI levels between 1500 and 1800. The situation in Lahore is dire, marked by hazardous conditions reflected in an AQI score of 1000.
