Smog: More restrictions imposed in Punjab

Lahore: Because of smog, more restrictions have been imposed in Punjab including Lahore and Director General (DG) Environment Imran Hamid Sheikh issued a notification.

According to the notification, universities and colleges in Lahore and Multan will remain closed until November 24. Universities and colleges have been shifted to online classes, and schools in all districts except Murree will remain closed until November 24. All construction work will be completely banned in Lahore and Multan.

The notification stated that national-level construction work would be allowed. Heavy traffic will be completely banned from entering Lahore and Multan. Brick kilns and furnace industry work will be closed in Lahore and Multan.

Restaurants in Lahore and Multan will operate only till 4:00pm and takeaway will be allowed till 8:00pm, after which the restaurants will be completely closed.

The leaves of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff have been canceled in Lahore and Multan. OPDs of all hospitals in Lahore and Multan will operate till 8:00pm. Rescue 1122 will assist smog-affected patients.

According to the notification, all decisions will be applicable till November 24, while pharmacies, departmental stores, dairy shops, flour mills, and tandoors will be exempted from all restrictions.

The notification stated that the ban on reducing staff by 50 percent in private and government offices in Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala has been extended until January 31.

In the other 16 districts of Punjab, the entry of the public into educational institutions and parks will be banned until November 24. Parks, zoos, historical sites, playgrounds, and museums will remain closed.

It is pertinent to note that change in wind direction has slightly reduced the intensity of smog in Punjab, while the air in the province remains hazardous to health.

The provincial capital Lahore stands 2nd in terms of air pollution, with the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 449. The air pollution standard in Multan has reached 318. However, the Indian city of Delhi has been declared the most polluted city in the world with an AQI of 1,226.

Meteorologists have predicted a further reduction in the intensity of smog in the coming days.