LAHORE: In a significant move to combat the ongoing smog crisis, the interim government of Punjab has declared a month-long smog emergency across the province. This vital decision comes as a response to the worsening air quality conditions, with the aim of safeguarding public health and mitigating the harmful effects of smog.
The announcement was made following a meeting chaired by the diligent Caretaker Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi. As part of the emergency measures, the government has mandated the use of masks in schools and government offices. This proactive step is intended to protect the well-being of students and employees.
Caretaker Chief Minister Naqvi also emphasized the need for provincial ministers to conduct visits to both government and private schools to ensure compliance with mask-wearing regulations. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of withdrawing fines imposed on farmers during the smog period and urged them not to burn crop residues. Taking action against vehicles and factories emitting harmful smoke remains a top priority, with the government committed to taking all possible measures to reduce smog levels.
While environmentalists assert that school closures and transport restrictions may not be the sole solution to this complex issue, the government's determination to address the smog crisis head-on is commendable.
It is worth noting that the Lahore High Court had previously held the Punjab government responsible for the prevailing smog crisis and had issued a directive to promptly implement a smog emergency. With these measures in place, Punjab is taking a significant step towards safeguarding the health and well-being of its residents and tackling the smog problem at its source.
