By our correspondent
LAHORE: Punjab authorities have announced new school timings in a bid to combat the escalating smog crisis that poses significant health risks across the province. The Punjab Environmental Protection Authority (PEPA) issued a notification on Wednesday detailing the adjusted schedules and precautionary measures designed to safeguard students.
Effective from October 28 until January 31, 2025, schools will commence at 8:45 am. Furthermore, assemblies are now mandated to be held indoors, a necessary step to reduce students’ exposure to the hazardous air.
In light of the deteriorating air quality, PEPA has urged citizens to limit outdoor activities—particularly exercise—and to keep doors and windows closed to minimise the intake of polluted air. The notification implores residents: “Wear a mask, check your vehicle’s fitness, and take necessary precautions.” In a further attempt to curb the smog levels, fireworks and similar activities have been prohibited until January 31, 2025.
As concerns mount, Lahore has once again found itself at the forefront of pollution, topping the global list of the most polluted cities. For the second consecutive day, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has soared beyond 500, reaching a staggering 503—levels classified as “hazardous” by US AQI standards.
