For weeks, Punjab has been suffocated by smog, which has afflicted approximately 2 million people. The haze has covered large areas of the state with a hazardous cloud. Due to the levels of toxins in the air, the Punjab province declared a health emergency on Friday, the 15th of November, prohibiting construction, closing schools for an additional week, and converting colleges and universities to online from on-campus.
Improvement in Air Quality
Lahore’s 497 Air Quality Index (AQI) reading ranked it the world’s second most polluted city. However, the intensity of smog has dropped to some extent in Lahore and other cities in Punjab. This improved air quality has been attributed to changes in wind direction and rainfall.
Read More: https://www.brandsynario.com/lahore-lost-in-a-smog-blog-situation-worsens/
Schools to Reopen
The Government of Punjab had earlier announced that schools would be closed from November 17 to November 25. However, as the smog levels have slightly decreased, the Punjab Government announced in a notification that schools in the Rawalpindi Division will reopen on November 20.
Schools in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock and Chakwal will reopen from tomorrow, the notification read.
A number of preventative precautions are part of the reopening plan: masks will be required for both staff and kids, and schools will not open before 8:45 am. However, until further notice, outdoor sports and extracurricular activities are still prohibited. To protect public health, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stressed the need for strict measures. “Children’s education is vital, but health cannot be compromised,” she pointed out.
Additionally, the Punjab Higher Education Department has declared that all colleges and universities, both public and private, will reopen on November 20 in accordance with the same rules.
Smog Restrictions Relaxed
Previously, the Lahore District administration had restricted outdoor activities in order to mitigate the growing threat of smog. According to reports, the department has now changed the hours of operation for hotels and restaurants. Establishments will now be allowed to serve dine-in and outdoor services until 10 PM, instead of the prior 4 PM curfew.
While the smog situation in Punjab has shown signs of slight improvement, the government is maintaining and warning to take precautionary measures to ensure public health and safety. The government has advised the residents of Punjab to wear masks and limit outdoor activities. They recommend the public to stay constantly informed and updated about the local air quality levels.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.