LAHORE: As the three-day Basant festival is approaching, the National Grid Company (NGC /formerly national transmission and despatch company) has constituted emergency response teams to safeguard power transmission and despatch system in the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) distribution system.

According to NGC’s Managing Director Engr Altaf Hussain Malik, comprehensive measures are being taken to ensure swift response to any untoward incident during the festivities.

In a statement on Friday, the NGC MD urged public to strictly follow SOPs to safeguard their lives, property & national assets and refrain from any activity that could damage the power transmission system or grid stations.

“We will try our best to ensure uninterrupted power transmission system in Lahore and surrounding areas during Basant. Therefore, the people are requested to take care of their own and others’ lives & property, and to ensure the protection of national installations while celebrating Basant,” he reiterated.

Meanwhile, the city District Administration has issued code of conduct for the three-day Basant festival starting from Feb 6 and banned kite flying in the areas nearby airport and sensitive installations.

According to a spokesman for the administration, the administrative and police officers have been empowered to inspect rooftops and open places during festival. There will be a zero-tolerance policy on aerial firing and use of prohibited string and kites.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2026