Lahore authorities are weighing a three-day school closure to protect students from the city’s deteriorating air quality, which has reached hazardous levels. The proposed plan would see schools closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, giving children a respite from exposure to polluted air. Officials are expected to make a final decision following an environmental review set for early November.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

According to the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has soared to an alarming 208, a level that categorizes the air as “very unhealthy.” This places Lahore among the most polluted cities globally, currently ranked as the most polluted in Pakistan and the second most polluted in the world. An AQI above 200 can cause serious health risks for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and people with respiratory issues.

In response to this crisis, the Punjab government has introduced a ‘green lockdown’ in the most affected areas, enforcing several restrictions to curb pollution. Construction activities have been paused, and the entry of auto-rickshaws has been restricted in zones with the worst air quality, such as Abbott Road, Empress Road, and the Queen Mary Road area. Additionally, the use of commercial generators has been limited, and outdoor barbecues are now banned after 8 p.m.

The ‘green lockdown’ and potential school closures underscore the urgency of Lahore’s air pollution crisis, with officials working to balance public health with economic and social concerns. The public eagerly awaits further updates as the city grapples with one of the most severe environmental health issues in its history.

Table of Contents