Local officials have announced that Lahore is contemplating a three-day closure of schools as the city faces worsening air quality. With smog levels reaching alarming heights, schools may shut down on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to safeguard student health.
A definitive decision will be made after environmental authorities conduct a review in early November. According to the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lahore’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) is currently at 208, making it one of the most polluted cities in the world.
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The city’s air quality has deteriorated to such an extent that Lahore is now the most polluted city in Pakistan and ranks second globally. In response, the Punjab government has implemented a ‘green lockdown’ in heavily polluted areas of Lahore to mitigate the crisis.
The Environmental Protection Department issued a notification for the lockdown, which includes a ban on construction activities and restrictions on the entry of auto-rickshaws in designated zones. The use of commercial generators will also be limited, and outdoor barbecues will not be allowed after 8 pm in these affected areas.
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