Unprecedented levels of air pollution in Lahore, Pakistan, have forced authorities to shut down all primary schools for a week. Starting Monday, 50% of office workers will also be required to work from home as part of a “green lockdown” strategy. Additional measures include bans on engine-powered rickshaws and barbecuing without filters.
“This smog is very harmful for children, masks should be mandatory in schools,” said Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, ranked as the most polluted city in the world for the second time on Sunday. According to IQAir, the city’s air quality index exceeded 1,000 on Saturday, far surpassing the World Health Organization’s “dangerous” level of 300.
Raja Jehangir Anwar, a senior environment official, pointed to cross-border crop burning as the main contributor to the smog. Minister Aurangzeb noted, “The fumes are being carried by strong winds into Pakistan,” and called for talks with India through the foreign ministry.
Also read: Lahore Ranked as World’s Most Polluted City, Air Quality Hits Hazardous Levels
The government is urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Measures include water-spraying vehicles and halting construction in certain areas. The situation will be reassessed on Saturday to determine if schools should remain closed.
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