Punjab’s School Education Department has announced a 20-day winter vacation for all public and private schools across the province, starting December 20, 2024, and ending January 10, 2025. The decision comes as Lahore grapples with persistent smog, which has significantly impacted daily life and public health.
Smog-Driven Policy Changes
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has taken a proactive stance to address smog-related challenges, issuing directives aimed at reducing pollution caused by school traffic. Justice Shahid Karim, in a three-page written order, mandated that schools provide pick-and-drop services for students after the winter break. Schools failing to comply with this directive will face strict penalties, including possible sealing.
The court also prohibited schools from issuing disclaimers to shift transportation responsibility onto parents. This move ensures accountability and promotes the use of shared transportation to curb vehicle emissions, a major contributor to smog.
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Tackling the Smog Crisis
The Punjab government informed the LHC of its ongoing efforts to combat smog, which include cracking down on stubble burning—a key factor in worsening air quality. Authorities have arrested several individuals involved in illegal burning practices and are working to maintain a comprehensive database of public and private transport vehicles for better monitoring.
Additionally, construction work, which had been halted in several districts due to heightened smog levels, has been partially resumed in Lahore and three other areas following a decline in pollution peaks.
The 20-day school closure aligns with the government’s broader strategy to mitigate smog impacts while accommodating the seasonal demand for winter vacations. By reducing school traffic during the break and implementing mandatory shared transport afterwards, the government aims to lower vehicle emissions in urban areas, especially Lahore, where air quality has been severely compromised.
Challenges Ahead
While these measures reflect a serious attempt to address smog, challenges remain. Effective enforcement of transport rules and the cooperation of schools and parents will be critical. Moreover, addressing root causes such as industrial emissions, unregulated construction, and waste burning requires sustained efforts beyond temporary restrictions.
As Punjab braces for the winter break, the government’s combined focus on health, education, and environmental policy highlights the urgency of tackling one of the region’s most pressing crises. Whether these efforts will lead to lasting improvements in air quality remains to be seen.
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