After the intensification of the smog situation, the Punjab government has closed all parks, entertainment centers, museums in 18 districts of 4 divisions for 10 days, while 50 percent of the employees of all government and private offices will work online from home. Apart from this, the Environment Department has prepared a plan for artificial rain in Punjab, the artificial rain is likely to be rained on November 11 and 12.
All parks, entertainment centers, museums in 18 districts of Punjab are closed for 10 days
After the intensification of the smog situation, the Punjab government closed all the parks, entertainment centers, museums in 18 districts of 4 divisions for 10 days.
The Environment Protection Department has also issued a notification which will be applicable from November 8 to November 17. Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said in her statement that seven cities of Pakistan are at the forefront of environmental pollution, Multan ranked first in air pollution with a score of 2135. Lahore is second with 738 points, Peshawar is third with 290 points, Islamabad is fourth with 245 points, Haripur is fifth with 219 points, Rawalpindi is sixth with 192 points and Karachi is seventh with 106 points.
The wind speed around Lahore is 11 kmph and near Multan is 7 kmph. Maryam Aurangzeb said that the smog situation is expected to worsen next week, arrests and fines will be made for violation of environmental laws regarding anti-smog.
He said that the parents are requested not to let the children leave the house, not going to school does not mean having a picnic.
Preparation of Punjab Government to take measures to control smog
Punjab government prepared to take measures to control smog, 50 percent employees of all government and private offices will work online from home while the notification is likely next week after the approval of Punjab government.
In order to control the increasing smog, work has been started on the proposal to run schools online for 2 or 3 days, half of the employees in the government offices will be employed, half of the employees will come to the office on one day and half of the employees will come to the office on the second day.
A proposal to work from home on Fridays in private offices is under consideration, attendance of 50 percent of employees will reduce road traffic while reducing road traffic is likely to reduce smog.
According to the sources, after the approval of the Punjab government, there is a possibility of notification next week. If this strategy is successful, then the same formula can be adopted in other cities where smog is dangerous.
A proposal for an official holiday on Friday and Saturday is under consideration, while a proposal to close shops and markets at 8 p.m., a proposal to maintain 50 per cent attendance in schools and to call 50 per cent students on one day and the remaining 50 per cent on another day is also under consideration. Under consideration.
Apart from this, it has been proposed to make all government vehicles smog-free and to ban the driving of all government vehicles older than 10 years, while all the measures will remain in effect till February.
The Environment Department has prepared a plan for artificial rain
The Environment Department has prepared a plan for artificial rain in Punjab, the artificial rain is likely to be rained on November 11 and 12.
The services of civil aviation and other departments will be taken for artificial rain.
According to the Department of Meteorology, as soon as the weather becomes favorable, artificial rain will be given in Lahore.
Due to lack of rain, the intensity of smog has increased while the last rain fell on October 6.
The smog situation in Lahore is very bad, millions of citizens are sick
The smog situation in Lahore is very bad, among the most polluted cities in the world, Lahore is still on the first place.
Four schools sealed for violation of smog emergency in Sialkot
According to the details, the air quality index reached 923 early in the morning, while Askari Ten area is the most affected by smog, where the AQI was recorded at 1206.
According to the Department of Environment, the rate of smog is likely to increase in the next few days, it has been revealed that nine million people are suffering from nose and throat diseases due to smog across Punjab.
According to the Health Department, 129,000 citizens are affected in Lahore alone, and seven people have been arrested for violating the Green Lockdown.
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On the other hand, the educational institutions were closed due to the poisonous atmosphere in Lahore, but the notification of the Environment Protection Department has not been able to implement the work-from-home policy and the ban on masks since November 4.
Smog camps in and around Sharqpur city as well
There are smog camps in and around Sharqpur city in other parts of Punjab. Smog increased respiratory, throat and eye diseases.
Smog also in Melsi, Patuki
Smog has also spread in the cities of Melsi, Patuki, Sheikhupura. Children and old people are more affected, respiratory problems are increasing.
Due to smog, several vehicles collided in Sheikhupura and Khanewal
Business life paralyzed in Khanewal
Due to smog in Khanewal too, business life was paralyzed and citizens began to suffer from various diseases.
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**Interview with Dr. Ayesha Malik, Environmental Scientist, on Punjab’s Smog Crisis and Government Measures**
*Moderator:* Good evening, Dr. Malik. Thank you for joining us. The recent order from the Lahore High Court mandating the closure of markets in Punjab by 8 PM and Sundays underscores the seriousness of the current smog situation. What are your thoughts on this decision?
*Dr. Malik:* Good evening, and thank you for having me. I believe the court’s decision is a crucial step toward reducing pollution levels in Punjab. Closing markets earlier can help decrease traffic emissions, which are a significant contributor to the smog. It’s essential for citizens to recognize the urgency of this situation, especially with the health implications we are already witnessing.
*Moderator:* Indeed, the health effects you mentioned are concerning. Can you shed some light on the scale of the pollution crisis in cities like Lahore and Multan?
*Dr. Malik:* Absolutely. Lahore’s air quality index has reached alarming levels, often ranking it among the most polluted cities globally. The recent figures indicate a staggering AQI of 923, with specific areas like Askari Ten exceeding 1200. The smog is particularly dangerous as it leads to respiratory illnesses. Reports suggest that millions of citizens are already suffering from related health issues, and preventive measures are desperately needed.
*Moderator:* With that in mind, the Punjab government has enacted multiple measures, including closing parks and entertainment centers and mandating that 50% of employees work from home. Do you think these steps will be effective?
*Dr. Malik:* While these measures are certainly a positive start, their success largely depends on public adherence and the government’s capability to enforce them. Working from home can significantly reduce road traffic, which is a primary contributor to air pollution. However, for these strategies to truly impact the smog levels, there must also be long-term changes in industrial practices, urban planning, and community awareness about smog and its effects.
*Moderator:* There are also plans for artificial rain. How does that work, and what do you expect from such an initiative?
*Dr. Malik:* Artificial rain, or cloud seeding, involves introducing certain substances into the atmosphere to encourage rainfall. This technique has shown promise in some regions. If successful, the upcoming artificial rain could provide much-needed relief from the smog crisis in Punjab. It’s vital to ensure that such efforts are scientifically backed and environmentally safe, as improper methods may lead to unwanted ecological consequences.
*Moderator:* Lastly, what can residents do to protect themselves from the ongoing smog crisis?
*Dr. Malik:* Residents should limit outdoor activities during peak smog hours, especially children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Wearing masks can help when going outside, and keeping indoor air clean with air purifiers can also make a difference. Lastly, staying informed about air quality levels is crucial; people should remain cautious and consider working or studying from home whenever possible.
*Moderator:* Thank you, Dr. Malik, for your insights. It’s clear that while immediate measures are in place, a comprehensive, long-term strategy is essential to tackle the smog issue effectively.
*Dr. Malik:* Thank you for having me. Let’s hope the government and communities come together to create sustainable solutions for a healthier environment in Punjab.
