Directive aims to ensure “public safety, conserve lives and mitigate imminent threat of smog in Punjab”
LAHORE
The government of Punjab has notified Monday the shutting down of all government and private schools and private offices three days every week starting November 27, in its measure to curb the smog.
The government has announced its decision amid the alarming smog issue so that the frequency of traffic on the roads contributing to the pollution and likelihood of accidents can be mitigated.
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has taken important steps to contain smog as all public and private schools will remain to reclose for three days a week in Lahore.
On the direction of CM Buzdar, Relief Commissioner Punjab Babar Hayat Tarar has issued a notification that schools in Lahore and surrounding to remain closed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday and the notification would be implemented from November 27 to January 15.
Moreover, offices that come under the limits of Metropolitan Corporation Lahore will also be closed, thrice a week.
Meanwhile, institutions will be able to manage educational virtual classes. CM Buzdar said all necessary steps will be taken to control smog. He said the government is taking all possible steps to control smog and will continue to do so.
Negligence in the implementation of government measures to control the smog will not be tolerated, said Buzdar.
Earlier this week, the Adviser to Prime Minister on Climate Change, Malik Amin Aslam, said that artificial rain could be carried out next year to minimize the effect of smog in Punjab province, especially in Lahore.
The prime minister’s special aide shared the plan of artificial rain saying that it could be carried out two to three times in the next year.
“We are currently studying the phenomenon,” he said adding that the use of technology is the need of the hour to deal with the issue.
