LAHORE: After a sudden increase in the Lahore Air Quality Index (AQI) from less than 200 to more than 500 at the end of Wednesday, the premier announced Thursday the closure of public and private schools. This is the first time that smog has forced the closure of schools.
Just before midnight, Prime Minister Usman Buzdar tweeted: “Due to the sudden increase in pollution, all schools in Lahore will remain closed tomorrow. We are closely monitoring the situation of #LahoreSmog. The administration is already on high alert and has instructed them to intensify actions against the burning of crops and other factors that contribute to smog. ”
According to the power of the air quality monitor of the US consulate in Lahore, the level of smog was dangerous and at 10 p.m., the AQI of Lahore was PM2.5-580.
Punjab Education Minister Murad Raas was also attentive to the toxic air. At 9:52 pm, he tweeted: “SMOG at abnormally high levels at this time in Lahore. Continuous monitoring of the situation. Refrain from taking children outdoors unless absolutely necessary. It will update. "
However, the prime minister was allowed to announce a vacation in the schools after realizing the adversity of the situation.
The itching of the air, which complicated people's respiratory system, was alarming at night. And for that reason, #LahoreSmog was the main trend on Twitter. Twitter user @ Sanam_Afridi110 tweeted: "My eyes burn and I can't even breathe correctly #LahoreSmog."
According to meteorological experts, the sudden increase in smog was due to the change of wind direction, which brought smoke and other pollutants from India. They predicted that Thursday's rain would improve air quality.
Health experts advised people, especially children and the elderly, to stay indoors and drink more fluids.
A group of students have asked the Lahore High Court to seek a change in the AQI measurement system and the implementation of the Smog Policy.
For the past four years, smog, which is rightly called the fifth season of Lahore, has deprived people of the sun and the charm of the dusk hours, as the layers of toxic smoke envelop the horizon from November to February .
Posted in Dawn, November 7, 2019
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1515376/smog-forces-govt-to-close-schools-in-lahore-today