Lahore: In response to the deteriorating smog conditions in the provincialcapital Lahore, all private and public schools, as well as markets, are setto remain closed on Wednesday, as reported by ARY News, citing sources.
The Punjab government is contemplating implementing restrictions similarto those imposed during the coronavirus pandemic to manage the worseningsmog situation. According to sources, authorities are likely to announce acomplete shutdown on Wednesdays, affecting schools, markets, and factories.
Under the proposed policy, government departments will operate with 50%staff strength on Wednesdays, and snap-checking measures will be conductedduring weekends, specifically on Saturday and Sunday. There is also asuggestion to impose substantial fines on factories that violateenvironmental regulations.
It’s important to note that the main contributor to smog in the city isunusual traffic, with factory emissions accounting for only 7% of theoverall pollution in Lahore. Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa mentionedthat authorities are considering a work-from-home policy for two months tocombat smog in the Lahore Division.
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Local traders have expressed support for keeping markets closed onWednesdays, and they may be allowed to open on Sundays. Earlier, the LahoreHigh Court directed authorities to impose fines on vehicles for improperparking in the provincial capital.
The court issued these orders while hearing a petition aimed at addressingthe smog issue. According to the court’s directives, individuals washingtheir vehicles at home could face a fine of Rs3,000, and a Rs5,000 finewould be imposed for incorrect parking within the city, with the collectedfines going to WASA’s funds.