Lahore (Pakistan News dot com dot pk) The Punjab government has announced the holidays or closure of public and private primary schools in provincial capital for one week due to the severe smog conditions.
While addressing a press conference, Maryam Aurangzeb stated that primary schools, both public and private, are being closed for a week due to the smog. She emphasized that extra precautions should be taken for the health of students above primary classes, and wearing masks should be mandatory in both public and private schools.
Maryam Aurangzeb mentioned that the air pollution level in Lahore was recorded at 1067 yesterday. She said that smog came from India and spread rapidly, affecting Lahore the most. The burning of crop residue in India has polluted the air, with pollution levels exceeding 1000 near the Lahore border. The overall air pollution level in Lahore was recorded at 1194, putting Lahore at the top of the world’s most polluted cities.
The Senior Provincial Minister stated that the smog situation in Lahore has become increasingly complex. For the first time, efforts have been underway to tackle smog for the past eight months. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has assigned specific tasks to all relevant departments to control the smog, and strict implementation of the government’s anti-smog plan is being ensured. The “War Room” established within the environmental protection agency is working 24/7 on an emergency basis.
Maryam Aurangzeb further stated that illegal brick kilns are being demolished, and factories have been inspected. The Punjab government has decided to keep public primary schools closed for a week; playgroup to primary-level classes will remain closed for one week.