LAHORE, November 23, 2023 – As smog continues to envelop Punjab caretaker government has stepped up with a new comprehensive plan aimed at mitigating the environmental hazard.
The provincial capital Lahore, which has repeatedly topped the charts as the world’s most polluted city, is at the forefront of this crisis.
The short-term measures introduced by Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi are designed for immediate impact in six divisions: Lahore, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Multan. These include restrictions on activities contributing to air pollution, closure of Sunday markets, and delayed Saturday openings for markets, restaurants, and offices after 3 pm.
Additionally, schools will remain closed from Friday to Sunday to ensure the safety of children. To directly address the smog, water sprinkling in affected areas will be doubled, and Mall Road Lahore will be reserved for cyclists every Sunday.
Looking ahead, the long-term strategy focuses on sustainable solutions. The government plans to offer subsidies for electric bikes to 10,000 students and provide leasing options for government employees to encourage pollution-free transportation.
Moreover, the installation of ionization towers is on the agenda to purify the air. In an innovative move, the government is also prepared to undertake cloud seeding on November 29, 2023, if weather conditions permit.
These initiatives come at a critical time as Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached hazardous levels, with a recent measurement of 306. The PM2.5 concentration in the city is currently 51.2 times higher than the World Health Organization’s annual air quality guideline value.
Other cities in the province, including Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Kasur, Sheikupura, Hafizabad, Narowal, Nankana Sahib, and Sialkot, are also grappling with the smog issue.
The Punjab government has notified the closure of schools and colleges in smog-hit cities for three days to protect the health of students. This decisive action underscores the severity of the situation and the government’s commitment to addressing it head-on.
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