Punjab notifies anti-smog plan: school closures, market, and office restrictions announced

LAHORE: The Punjab government has officially issued a notification declaring the closure of educational institutions on Friday, November 24, and Saturday, November 25, 2023.

According to the recent notification, the government has taken the decision to close all educational institutions in six districts of the province on Friday and Saturday as part of measures to address the issue of smog and combat the increasing problem of air pollution in Punjab, especially in Lahore and surrounding areas.

The official notification has confirmed the holiday schedule for Friday and Saturday in educational institutions across six divisions, including Lahore, due to smog.

Educational institutions in Gujranwala, Multan, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Sahiwal will also remain closed on Friday and Saturday.

In a meeting held to address the challenge of smog, a comprehensive plan was discussed. The plan includes:

1. Restrictions in six divisions for immediate impact (Lahore, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Multan).
2. Sunday market closures.
3. Saturday openings post 3 pm for markets, restaurants, and offices.
4. School closures from Friday to Sunday for safety.
5. Doubling water sprinkling in smog-affected areas.
6. Reserving Sunday on Mall Road Lahore for cyclists.

Additionally, the entry of vehicles on Lahore’s Mall Road will be prohibited on Sunday, with only bicycles allowed.

These measures will be immediately implemented in the mentioned cities due to poor air quality.

Furthermore, the interim CM mentioned that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed to install air purifier towers in Lahore, the second-most polluted city.

The decision also involves doubling the amount of water sprinkling on roads to reduce smog and encouraging citizens to wear face masks.

Addressing the potential for artificial rain, the caretaker chief minister stated that if the situation is favorable on November 29, artificial rain will be initiated on that day.

In addition, Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi mentioned that 10,000 students would be provided with electric bikes on subsidy, and government employees would have the opportunity to avail themselves of the initiative on lease.