Lahore Schools Adjust Timings Amid Toxic Smog
Classes Begin Later, Outdoor Activities Halted to Protect Children’s Health
Severe Smog Prompts Adjustments in Lahore School Schedules and Safety Measures
Lahore-(Special Correspondent): Due to escalating air pollution in Lahore, authorities have introduced new school timings and safety protocols to reduce exposure to the hazardous air. Starting today, government schools will begin at 8:45 a.m., with all morning assemblies held indoors to shield students from the toxic smog.
Following a directive from the Punjab Environment Protection Department on October 23, relevant institutions have been instructed to enact immediate measures to address the severe air quality. In an effort to protect vulnerable groups, including children and seniors, the government announced revised school schedules and suspended all outdoor activities in schools. Authorities are urging the public to wear masks and monitor air quality through the Environment Protection Department’s app.
In addition, officials are exploring artificial rain to clear smog from the city’s atmosphere, as Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached over 530 on Monday, placing it among the most polluted cities globally. In some areas, the AQI has skyrocketed, reaching as high as 818 in Gulberg, driven in part by polluted winds from neighboring regions.
The effects of the hazardous air have also impacted air travel, with a recent private flight from Karachi to Lahore encountering smog even inside the aircraft. The crew, observing intensified smog levels within the cabin as the plane descended, chose to forgo the standard jet bridge, instead opting to disembark passengers manually.
Health experts are advising residents to take precautions, such as wearing masks outdoors and limiting exposure, to minimize health risks until air quality improves.
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