LAHORE: The Punjab government on Tuesday reopened schools in remaining divisions of Lahore and Multan from Wednesday (today) following an improvement in air quality.

The smog was declared a “calamity” in Punjab last month and the government announced the closure of all educational institutions in 18 districts across the province after the situation worsened on Nov 6.

The smog situation improved during the last four days in the province with the change in wind direction. Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) also showed a slight improvement as it dropped out of the hazardous category on Sunday for the first time in 12 days. The meteorologists predicted a further decrease in smog intensity in the coming days.

Earlier, the government had reopened the schools across the province two days ago except Lahore and Multan divisions.

Meteorologists predict further drop in smog intensity

The maximum AQI in Lahore was recorded at 404 (hazardous) at 9am on Tuesday. The situation remained comparatively better during the rest of the day and lowest AQI was recorded at 154 at 3pm.

However, Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) notification [available with Dawn] states, “The ambient air quality has improved in Punjab, due to rain in upper parts of Punjab, change in wind direction and speed. Therefore, all the educational institutions in the whole province, including Lahore and Multan Division, shall be opened with effect from Nov 20 (Wednesday) with physical presence of students/staff.”

It directed that the opening time of schools would not be before 8:45am, adding that wearing masks was also mandatory for students and staff.

It further said that there would be a complete ban on outdoor sports and outdoor co-curricular activities till further orders.

The agency ordered all educational institutions to introduce class-wise school closing timings to avoid traffic congestion.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) also issued a notification, stating that all public and private educational institutions under its control would open from Wednesday subject to the same restrictions mandated by the EPA.

It also directed the vice chancellors of universities and the directors of colleges across the province to ensure compliance with its order.

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that an anti-smog grand operation was being conducted in the province to mitigate the effects of smog.

She said strict actions were taken against multiple brick kilns and industrial units over the past four days.

She said 34 brick kilns operating without zigzag technology were demolished in operations from Nov 15 to 17, with the highest numbers in Multan (14) and Layyah (8).

Additionally, on Nov 15, 20 industrial units in Lahore and Gujranwala were razed for causing pollution. On Nov 16 and 17, 16 more industrial units were demolished, and 51 sealed, including 30 units in Lahore, where five units were demolished, and fines worth Rs400,000 were imposed.

She said vehicle inspections were underway at entry points and major highways, while actions are being taken against unsafe transportation of construction materials.

Commercial generators in green lockdown zones are being closely monitored, and the situation is under surveillance through Safe City cameras. Water sprinkling is being carried out on Lahore’s roads to control dust.

Earlier, the Punjab government also gave additional charge of the post of chairperson of the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) to HED secretary Dr Farrukh Naveed for a period of three months or till appointment of the regular incumbent.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2024