LAHORE – The caretaker Punjab government on Monday announced closure of all educational institutions on Friday and Saturday as it notified latest measures to curb smog.
Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the measures during a press conference after chairing a high-level meeting of the Punjab Cabinet Anti-Smog Committee.
He said the revised policies of the government will be implemented in six provincial divisions including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Faisalabad and Multan.
The cities worst hit by smog in Punjab include Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Kasur, Sheikupura, Hafizabad, Narowal, Nankana Sahib and Sialkot.
The chief minister said markets and restaurants will open at 3pm on Friday and Saturday, while no business activities will be allowed on Sunday.
Held meeting to combat SMOG challenge with a comprehensive plan:
Short term plan:
1. Restrictions in 6 divisions for immediate impact. ( Lahore, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Multan)
2. Sunday market closures.
3. Saturday openings post 3pm for markets, restaurants… pic.twitter.com/iZHahiKzoq— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) November 23, 2023
He however said that markets can remain open till night on Friday and Saturday as the government did not want them to suffer loss.
He said the government would doubling water sprinkling in smog-affected areas, adding that the Mall Road Lahore will be reserved for cyclists on Sunday.
CM Naqvi also announced long-term measures, saying 10,000 students will be given electric bikes on subsidised rates.
He said govt employees can lease electric bikes, fostering pollution-free transportation, adding that ionisation towers will be installed to combat smog.
He said preparations have been started for cloud seeding on Nov 29, if conditions permit.
Smog in the second-largest city Lahore increased to alarming levels, and the Air Quality Index hovers around 250 level which is dangerous. The toxic atmosphere in provincial capital is the recurrent situation and it even caused a so-called fifth season of smog that continues to affect the health and daily activities of residents.
Experts cautioned people to avoid outdoor exposure, close windows to avoid dirty outdoor air, wear a mask outdoors, and run an air purifier for the fresh air.
