Toxic smog: Punjab Govt bans outdoor activities in schools

With hazardous and toxic smog engulfing major cities of Punjab, the Government of Punjab has placed a ban on all outdoor activities in all public and private schools across the province.

According to a notification issued by the provincial government “no outdoor sports and other activities [will take place] in schools up till December 20, due to smog.”

The notification further said that all the students should wear air filter masks during school hours. Schools were also directed to create awareness among the students about air quality, prevention of smog and impact of the environment on the health of human beings.

Read more: School children file petition in Lahore High Court against toxic smog

Punjab Minister for School Education Dr Murad Raas also shared the notification on Twitter.

No outdoor activities in all Public & Private Schools of Punjab till December 20th, 2019 due to the Air Quality. Secondly, all children to wear air filter masks during School hours. Lastly, an awareness session on environment to be held in all schools. Notification Attached. pic.twitter.com/ZyXwJYckHo

— Murad Raas (@MuradRaasMR) November 13, 2019

Across the borders, in Delhi and Tehran, schools have been closed due to the worsening air quality.

Smog reached very unhealthy levels in Lahore on Wednesday, making life difficult for the citizens of the city. In the morning, the Air Quality Index was recorded at 529 which is hazardous.

Good morning #LahoreSmog. It’s Beyond Index today. We recommend you stay home and keep your windows shut till this clears. @Lahore_Air #SaansLenayDo #JeenayDo pic.twitter.com/Sesis3m7oe

— LahoreAir (@LahoreSmog) November 14, 2019

According to the Met department website, different areas of the city had different AQIs. It AQI was 506 at the US Consulate, 498 in Gulberg, 491 at Punjab Assembly, 489 at Liberty Market, 453 at Upper Mall, 384 in Allama Iqbal Town’s Zeenat Block and 395 at Sundar Industrial Estate.

The toxic smog is causing eye and throat irritation, skin rashes, besides generating or aggravating pulmonary diseases.

Read more: Tips to beat the toxic smog this winter

The Punjab environment department says the practice of paddy stubble burning, mainly by the Indian Punjab farmers, is the biggest reason behind the formation of smog during October and November.

However, experts say that fuel emissions from vehicles on city roads, untreated emissions by industries and dirt also contribute to the increasing smog. That coupled with a fall in the temperature and wind speed at this time of the year worsens the overall situation.