Lahore’s schools have announced their new schedules, which are a result of the city’s intense smog. The Punjab government has declared adjusted hours for public and private schools in Lahore due to the pollution and deteriorating air quality. Safety and health precautions for both teachers and kids have been taken into consideration when making this effort.  Learn more about the new school schedules in this blog.

Lahore’s New School Hours

The updated school schedules and safety precautions are intended to safeguard the health of both residents and students as Lahore copes with the persistent smog problem.  In the upcoming months, public cooperation and government initiatives are anticipated to lessen the negative consequences of air pollution.  All Lahore schools will start at 8:45 AM on October 28, 2024, rather than the earlier time.  This school scheduling modification aims to reduce the negative impacts of air pollution on kids.  It will be in effect until January 31, 2025.

Notification From the Department of School Education

A report claims that this decision was made in response to an order from the Punjab Department of Environment. They directed the School Education Department to modify schedules as part of a larger plan to address the health risks associated with the Lahore smog situation and fight the city’s growing smog.  Both public and private schools in the city will be subject to the new school calendar.  Officials have approved complete adherence to the new schedule through January 2025.

The Effects Of Lahore’s Air Pollution

Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) continuously surpasses hazardous thresholds, making it one of the world’s most polluted cities.  This threshold can cause serious health problems, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. The AQI recently reached 150 in certain places and is predicted to rise once again.  The Punjab Environment Protection Department has thus directed that Lahore immediately implement preventative measures.

Measures to Prevent Exposure to Smog

To reduce children’s exposure to the smog-polluted air, the Punjab government has mandated suspending all outside school activities in addition to these new school hours.  Students are urged to remain home during school breaks, and school assemblies will now occur indoors.  The public has been urged to take preventative measures, such as using masks when going outside and using the Environment Protection Department’s app to monitor AQI readings.

 Government Efforts and Public Collaboration

Fireworks are prohibited until January 31, 2025, to lessen Lahore’s pollution significantly. The public is advised to limit outside activities, close doors, and windows to stop smog from entering and use protective masks when needed. Mariyum Aurangzeb, the senior provincial minister, has urged the public to support government initiatives to combat smog.  She urged quick action to eliminate pollution sources and emphasized the significance of reporting factories and cars that produce smoke to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) via helpline 1373.