Punjab’s government announced a one-week closure of primary schools in Lahore, effective Nov. 4 due to “unprecedented” pollution, with air quality index (AQI) levels exceeding 1,000, far above the “dangerous” threshold of 300.
On November 2, concentrations of PM2.5, a fine particulate matter especially harmful to health, exceeded WHO’s safe levels by over 40 times, worsening on Sunday before a slight decrease.
“In the wake of deteriorating air quality index and in light of order dated 03.11.2024 issued by director general [of] Environmental Protection Agency Punjab while exercising powers conferred under… the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997, it is notified that all classes up to 5th grade in all schools (public and private) located in… Lahore shall remain closed for one week w.e.f 04.11.2024 till 09.11.2024 (Saturday),” according to the notification issued by the provincial education department. This closure may be extended if conditions fail to improve.
Additional restrictions and emergency measures
In addition to school closures, the government introduced a “green lockdown,” mandating 50% of employees to work from home. Restrictions included a ban on barbecuing without filters, limits on motorized rickshaws, and a 10 p.m. closing time for wedding halls.
Authorities are even considering artificial rain to help mitigate the pollution.
The decisions followed days of severe smog, which has blanketed the city of 14 million, stemming from a mix of low-grade diesel emissions, seasonal agricultural burning, and winter cooling effects.
Jahangir Anwar, a senior official with the Environmental Protection Agency in Lahore, stated, “Weather forecast for the next six days shows that wind patterns will remain the same. Therefore, we are closing all government and private primary schools in Lahore for a week.”
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized that the smog poses serious health risks, particularly to children. “Masks should be mandatory in schools,” she noted, while adding that hospitals are now equipped with smog counters to monitor patients affected by the pollution.
Cross-border collaboration on air quality
Aurangzeb also indicated that the provincial government intends to approach India’s Foreign Office to discuss joint measures to combat smog. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz hinted earlier at seeking a collaborative effort with the Indian Punjab government to address this transboundary issue.
The health impacts of Lahore’s smog are grave. Prolonged exposure to the toxic air can lead to strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).