Severe smog has once again made provincial capital of Punjab the most polluted city in the world.
The air quality index (AQI) in Lahore on Wednesday was recorded at 432. PM2.5 concentration in Lahore was currently 79.6 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value.
The Punjab govt has imposed environment and health emergency in Lahore division and different other districts of Punjab. Section 144 will remain imposed in Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Norowal, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahab and Sialkot.
From November 9-12, all educational institutions, public and private offices, cinemas, parks and restaurants will remain closed. However, markets will remains closed on Saturday. Bakeries and medical stores will remain open during this period. Buses and vans will keep on running on roads.
PUNJAB GOVT ANNOUNCES FOUR-DAY HOLIDAY TO CURB SMOG
Earlier on Tuesday, Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi had announced a four-day holiday in specific divisions in response to a severe smog crisis.
Addressing a press briefing, CM Naqvi stated that these holidays would be effective from Thursday (celebrated as Iqbal Day, a national holiday) through to Sunday. The intention behind this move is to mitigate the impact of the smog problem, he added.
The provincial chief executive conveyed that a national holiday is scheduled for November 9, and on November 10, schools and offices in Punjab will remain closed. The holiday will be observed in the Lahore Division — Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Sahib districts. It will also be applicable in Gujranwala and Hafizabad.
Naqvi pointed out that schools are already shut on Saturdays and Sundays, but if any school remains open this Saturday, they will be required to close as well. In addition, the markets will be closed on Saturdays, and traders have the option to consider closing shop on Friday if they find it feasible.
Emphasising the importance of these measures, Naqvi appealed to the public, urging them to stay indoors for four days. He emphasized that this decision was made after thorough consideration.
Earlier, the chief minister highlighted that Lahore had earned the unfortunate distinction of being the “worst smog-affected city” globally. He expressed concerns about reports of children experiencing respiratory difficulties and eye infections.
While acknowledging that there are internal factors contributing to this problem, the chief minister attributed the deteriorating air quality in Punjab to neighbouring India.
It’s worth noting that earlier in the preceding month, provincial authorities had considered the implementation of an additional weekly day off. However, as the smog situation began to improve, they decided against it and opted to maintain a vigilant watch on the evolving conditions.
