Authorities in Lahore, Pakistan, have decided to close all primary schools for a week due to unprecedented levels of air pollution in the city.
Starting Monday, half of the office workforce will transition to remote work as part of a newly implemented “green lockdown” initiative. Additional measures encompass prohibitions on engine-powered rickshaws and restrictions on vendors who engage in barbecuing without filters.
“The smog poses significant health risks to children, and masks must be made mandatory in schools,” stated Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
Lahore, the second-largest city in Pakistan, has once again claimed the dubious distinction of having the most polluted air in the world, as reported on Sunday.
On Saturday, the air quality index soared past 1,000, significantly surpassing the World Health Organization’s threshold of 300, which is deemed “dangerous.” This alarming figure was reported by IQAir, highlighting the severity of pollution levels in the area.
Air quality has deteriorated significantly, with delicate particulate matter reaching hazardous levels that pose serious health risks.
Raja Jehangir Anwar, a senior official in the environmental sector, identified the burning of crop waste, commonly referred to as stubble, across the Indian border as the primary contributor to the persistent smog issue, describing it as the “biggest headache.”
Aurangzeb stated that the fumes were “carried by strong winds into Pakistan.”
“This issue cannot be resolved without engaging in discussions with India,” she stated, noting that the provincial government plans to commence these talks via the foreign ministry.
The government is advising citizens to remain indoors and refrain from non-essential travel.
Vehicles outfitted with pumps are dispersing water into the atmosphere to mitigate smog levels. Construction activities have been suspended in specific locations.
Authorities plan to reevaluate the situation next Saturday to determine if schools will remain closed.
The World Health Organization warns that breathing in polluted air can lead to severe health issues, such as strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and various respiratory illnesses.
In a significant move last month, schools banned outdoor exercise for pupils until January. Additionally, adjustments were made to school hours to minimize travel during peak pollution levels.
“I am full of anxiety as a mother,” said 42-year-old Lilly Mirza in an interview with AFP news agency.
“The previous year did not present such challenges…” There is a pressing need for clarity regarding the events that have transpired. Has a significant pollution incident occurred recently?
During winter, the smog crisis intensifies as the cold, denser air holds pollutants nearer to the surface.
