Punjab Government Extends School Closures in Lahore Due to Severe Smog
The Punjab government in Pakistan has decided to keep all public and private educational institutions, including schools and tuition centers, closed until November 24 due to worsening smog conditions. This decision affects the entire Punjab province, except for the District Murree. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore has reached a record high of 1600, prompting the extension of the closure initially set until November 17.
In addition to school closures, a complete lockdown has been imposed in Lahore and Multan for three days a week, from Friday to Sunday, to combat the smog. The situation will be monitored on other days, and the lockdown could be enforced earlier if air quality deteriorates further.
Pakistan’s Senior Minister for Information and Environment Protection, Marriyum Aurangzeb, highlighted the severe health risks posed by the smog, likening it to the dangers of COVID-19. She announced a ban on construction activities in Lahore and Multan for a week starting November 16. The government plans to introduce long-term strategies to tackle pollution, such as regulating emissions from motorcycles and rickshaws and ensuring the quality of oil at petrol pumps.
The smog crisis has led to a health emergency declaration in Lahore and Multan, affecting millions of residents. The government is also addressing environmental challenges in Murree, a popular destination for cleaner air, which is now facing similar issues.
Doubts Revealed
Punjab Government -: The Punjab Government is the governing body of the Punjab province in Pakistan. It makes decisions and implements laws for the people living in that area.
Lahore -: Lahore is a big city in Pakistan, known for its rich history and culture. It is the capital of the Punjab province.
Smog -: Smog is a type of air pollution that looks like a thick fog. It is harmful to breathe and can cause health problems.
AQI -: AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number used to tell how clean or polluted the air is. A higher number means the air is more polluted.
District Murree -: District Murree is a region in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is known for its hilly terrain and cooler climate.
Lockdown -: A lockdown is when people are asked to stay at home and not go out unless necessary. It is done to keep people safe during emergencies.
Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb -: Marriyum Aurangzeb is a government official in Pakistan. She is responsible for making announcements and decisions related to public information and broadcasting.
Health emergency -: A health emergency is a situation where the government takes special actions to protect people’s health. It is declared when there is a serious threat to public health, like severe pollution.
