Smog: Outdoor activities banned in Lahore

Lahore: A ban was imposed on outdoor activities in the provincial capital Lahore due to smog.

The district administration is trying to control air pollution and smog. The preventive measures against pollution are ongoing under the Environment Protection Agency.

According to the notification, commercial markets and outdoor activities will remain closed from today (Monday). In case of violation, action will be taken under the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997. All kinds of sports, exhibitions, and events will be banned, and dine-in restaurants will also be banned. However, religious gatherings will be exempted.

Shops, markets, and shopping malls will be closed at 8:00pm while medical stores, laboratories, petrol pumps, and grocery stores will be exempted from the ban.

Only groceries and medical sections will remain open in major departmental stores in Lahore. Violation of these orders will be punished under Section 188. These orders will remain in force from today till November 17.

On the other hand, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Lahore appealed to the public to take precautionary measures during smog and that citizens should avoid going out unnecessarily and make sure to use masks and take precautionary measures to avoid respiratory diseases due to smog.

DC Lahore said to protect children, elderly, and sick people, especially from smog, stay indoors and avoid going out, avoid unnecessary use of vehicles, and use public transport.

He further said that taking care of the health of citizens due to air pollution is the priority. The cooperation of citizens is the guarantee of our success, together we will fight smog.