On Tuesday, the Punjab government declared a four-day break “smog holiday” for regions experiencing dangerously high levels of smog throughout the province. The four-day pause will be in effect from November 9 (Thursday) to November 12 (Sunday) in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, and Hafizabad districts within the province.
Summary of Smog Holidays:
Here’s a summary of what will be affected during the four-day “smog holiday” as the government accelerates its actions to address the ongoing smog problem:
- Public and private offices, as well as educational institutions, including schools, will remain closed in the aforementioned areas during the four-day closure.
- Schools that usually operate on Saturdays will be required to remain closed, as stated during the press conference in Lahore.
- Restaurants, cinemas, gyms, and parks will also be closed.
- Additionally, markets will be closed on Saturday, but traders have the option to close them on Friday if they find it feasible.
- However, marriage halls, bakeries, pharmacies, and public transport will be permitted to operate during this period.
The government has additionally released a smog warning, encouraging the public to “restrict outdoor activities, use masks when venturing outdoors, and stay well-hydrated by drinking water to support respiratory health.”
In the upcoming week, poor Air Quality Index (AQI) measurements are anticipated in central and southern Punjab, with harmful smog concentrations projected for cities such as Gujranwala, Multan, Lahore, Bahawalpur, and Faisalabad, as well as their surrounding areas, including Sargodha, DG Khan, and Sahiwal divisions, as stated in the advisory.
Severe smog has struck Lahore, making it one of the world’s most severely affected cities with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 374.
The excessively high levels of smog are not confined to Lahore alone, as other cities and provinces are also grappling with this issue. Multan, Pindi Bhattian, and Rawalpindi recorded AQI readings of 442, 257, and 175, respectively.
It’s important to note that an AQI in the range of 101 to 150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 is considered unhealthy, 201 to 300 is very unhealthy, and 301 to 500 is hazardous.
In response to the escalating smog crisis, the Lahore High Court (LHC) issued an order last week, declaring a citywide emergency in Lahore. The court also instructed authorities to seal factories responsible for contributing to air pollution, with the reopening of such factories contingent on factory owners submitting affidavits promising not to violate environmental laws further.
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