LAHORE: The caretaker administration in Punjab has instituted a one-month smog emergency throughout the province. The wearing of masks is now compulsory in both educational institutions and government offices.
This decision to enact the smog emergency in Punjab emanated from a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
The caretaker chief minister underscored the necessity of masks for the well-being of students. He called upon provincial ministers to conduct visits to both public and private educational institutions. Furthermore, fines against farmers are to be temporarily suspended during this period of smog.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of discouraging farmers from burning crop residue and maintaining continued actions against vehicles and industrial facilities emitting smoke. Every possible measure is to be implemented to mitigate smog.
Environmental experts contend that school closures and transport shutdowns may have limited impact.
It is noteworthy that the Lahore High Court previously held the Punjab government accountable for the prevailing smog crisis and directed the immediate declaration of a smog emergency.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
