Lahore schools close as pollution reaches alarming levels
- Lahore has experienced unprecedented air pollution levels, causing schools to close for a week.
- Authorities have enacted a 'green lockdown' with significant restrictions to combat the smog, urging people to stay indoors.
- This environmental crisis, aggravated by crop burning practices across the border, calls for urgent discussions with India.
In Lahore, Pakistan's second-largest city, a severe air pollution crisis has led to the shutdown of all primary schools for a week beginning Monday, November 4, 2024. The city topped global pollution rankings, with the air quality index hitting alarming levels over the weekend, exceeding 1,000. This dire situation prompted authorities to impose a 'green lockdown,' which includes working from home for 50% of office workers and prohibitions on certain engine-powered vehicles and street vendors that do not utilize air filters. Health officials are expressing serious concerns about the hazardous air, particularly impacting children. Increased pollution levels can lead to devastating health consequences, such as strokes and respiratory diseases. Local authorities are requesting that masks be made mandatory in schools, underlining the seriousness of the current air quality crisis. Raja Jehangir Anwar, a senior environment official, identified the primary cause of the smog as the practice of burning crop waste across the border in India. These pollutants are being brought into Pakistan by strong winds, highlighting the need for diplomatic discussions between the two nations. As the situation remains critical, the government plans to reassess conditions next Saturday to decide on the continuation of school closures. The public is being advised to limit travel and stay indoors to protect their health amid these hazardous conditions.