School timings changed in Punjab in view of smog, says minister

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Wednesday that following the instructions given by Punjab’s Environment Protection Department to take steps in view of rising smog in Lahore and other cities of the province, the provincial government had decided to change school timings besides taking some other measures, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

She said that schools’ administrations had been directed that classes must not start before 8:45 AM. “New timings will be effective from October 28, 2024 to January 31, 2025,” she announced.  

Similarly, the minister added, schools’ management had been told to hold assemblies in classrooms and suspend all outdoor activities of children.

Marriyum also urged people to wear facemasks in order to prevent themselves from exposure to pollution. “Children and aged people, in particular, should refrain from going outside unnecessarily and participating in outdoor activities.”  

She also asked people to keep windows of their homes shut and mostly stay indoors. “There will be a complete ban on fireworks in Punjab until January 31, 2025,” the minister announced.

Seeking cooperation from the people, Marriyum asked them to immediately report any smoke-emitting vehicle on number 1373 and the EPA will take action against the driver forthwith.

She also appealed to people to get their vehicles’ fitness tests so that there could be no further increase in smog.