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Friday, November 15, 2024

Schools shift online as Punjab battles unhealthy air quality

Punjab's Provincial Disaster Management Authority has officially declared smog a calamity under the Punjab National Calamities Act of 1958.

As Punjab battles severe air pollution, the provincial government has rolled out an aggressive plan to mitigate the hazardous smog affecting millions. The policy package, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, includes a work-from-home directive, school closures, and targeted restrictions under a newly-imposed “green lockdown.” These unprecedented measures are an attempt to address the urgent public health crisis posed by dangerously high pollution levels across major urban centers.

Work from Home Policy for Offices

In an effort to reduce daily commute-related emissions, the Punjab government has mandated a 50% work-from-home policy across public and private offices in the most affected divisions, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan. The move, targeting both public and private workplaces, aims to minimize transportation emissions and limit exposure to hazardous smog. The directive, effective immediately, follows government advisories urging residents to avoid outdoor activities due to severely compromised air quality.

Read More: Lahore Faces Unprecedented Smog Crisis as Pollution Levels Soar 

Schools Closed, Shift to Online Classes

To protect children’s health, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced the closure of all educational institutions, including public and private schools, across Punjab’s smog-hit areas. Schools will remain closed until November 17, with classes moving online. The affected regions include Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, and others, where air quality readings have consistently reached hazardous levels. Aurangzeb clarified that this decision is not a holiday but a preventive measure against the severe air pollution, with air quality index (AQI) levels hitting as high as 1,150 in some areas.

Smog Declared a Calamity

Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has officially declared smog a calamity under the Punjab National Calamities Act of 1958. This declaration enables the government to impose more stringent control measures across the affected regions, including a ban on activities that contribute to smog formation. Enforcement has been lax in some areas, but the PDMA has vowed to intensify measures in high-AQI zones, where smog has reached critical levels. Health departments are setting specific targets to reduce pollution and ensure public safety.

Green Lockdown in Lahore

In Lahore, Punjab has introduced a “green lockdown” in smog hotspots to further reduce pollution. The lockdown restricts activities that produce airborne pollutants, such as construction work, the operation of rickshaws, and the use of diesel generators. Major streets, including Davis Road, Queen Road, and Allama Iqbal Road, are under partial lockdown to curb emissions. Restaurants in these areas are also restricted from offering barbecue services after 8 p.m., while other pollution-intensive businesses face operational limits.

Health Crisis and Mandatory Mask Advisory

The deteriorating air quality has triggered a spike in respiratory illnesses, eye infections, and other health issues, with the Punjab Health Department reporting over 55,000 cases of eye infections in October alone. As a preventive measure, the government has issued a mandatory face mask advisory for all public spaces in major divisions. This advisory, effective through January 2025, urges residents to protect themselves from the hazardous pollutants, which have reached up to 125 times the World Health Organization’s recommended limit for PM2.5 particles in Lahore.

Regional Collaboration and Smog Diplomacy

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb have emphasized the need for cross-border collaboration, noting that pollutants from India contribute to Punjab’s worsening air quality. Addressing a Diwali gathering in Lahore, Nawaz highlighted that smog knows no borders, advocating for “smog diplomacy” with Indian Punjab. With prevailing winds carrying pollutants from across the border, Nawaz suggested joint action with India to mitigate the cross-border air pollution issue effectively.

Read More: Maryam Nawaz calls for developing ‘smog diplomacy’ with India

Punjab has established a “Smog War Room” to monitor air quality data and coordinate real-time responses. The department is deploying technology and resources to provide rapid updates on pollution levels, while law enforcement is tasked with implementing mask mandates and work-from-home policies. As Punjab braces for a prolonged smog season, officials remain focused on health-centric solutions and international collaboration to address the crisis at its source.