The Punjab administration is currently considering different approaches to Lahore’s persistent smog problem. One of the alternatives under consideration is the implementation of a weekly holiday and a work-from-home arrangement.
The goal of these measures is to reduce smog’s impact and improve the city’s air quality.
In an upcoming meeting, the cabinet will make the final decision on these measures.
The plan is for a ‘work from home’ policy in educational institutions, government agencies, and marketplaces one day every week.
This action is part of a larger plan to battle smog effectively. The spokesperson added that during the cabinet meeting, various smog-fighting tactics and ideas would be extensively examined and discussed.
The recent rainfall has resulted in a significant improvement in Lahore’s air quality index, which now stands at 55. The government intends to develop a strategic action plan to maintain the current improving trend in air quality
If permitted and implemented, Lahore will have a weekly Wednesday holiday, which will begin the next week.
The Lahore Commissioner’s Office spokesperson confirmed that all educational institutions, marketplaces, and offices would be open as usual on other days.
The extended holiday will go into effect once the provincial administration issues an official notification.
کل بروز بدھ تمام تعلیمی ادارے،مارکیٹیں و دفاترمعمول کے مطابق کھلیں گےانسداد سموگ کیلیے بدھ کی چھٹی کی تجویز کااطلاق حکومت پنجاب کی منظوری کےبعدآئندہ ہفتے سے ہوگا،کل چھٹی کی خبر درست نہیں۔تعلیمی اداروں ودفاتر میں ورک فرام ہوم کی تجویز پر فیصلہ پنجاب حکومت کریگی۔ترجمان کمشنر لاہور
— Commissioner Lahore Division (@commissionerlhr) October 10, 2023
It is notable that independent urban and environmental specialists have issued warnings about an impending spike in pollution levels in Lahore due to a variety of contributing variables within the next month or two.
In 2022, Lahore’s air quality deteriorated significantly, with the city ranking as the worst in the world in an annual global study held by a Swiss air purifier firm.
The air quality index was 97.4 micrograms of PM2.5 particles per cubic meter, up from 86.5 the previous year.
While the Punjab government considers these steps, the focus remains on executing effective smog-fighting techniques and ensuring a healthy environment for Lahore citizens.
