LHC proposes 3 holidays for Schools, 2 days work from home for offices amid smog

LAHORE: Lahore’s persistent smog crisis has prompted the Lahore High Court to consider drastic measures to mitigate its harmful effects.

The proposed plan includes designating two work-from-home days, closing schools on Fridays and Saturdays, and halting commercial activities citywide on Sundays.

This initiative aims to reduce the city’s pollution levels, which have made Lahore one of the most polluted cities globally, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 394.

Justice Shahid Karim emphasized the need for effective anti-smog actions during a session focused on environmental protection. He referenced last year’s successful measures, which included similar strategies, and stressed the importance of reintroducing these practices to combat the ongoing smog issues.

The court also reviewed reports from various departments and ordered increased checks on heavy vehicles, particularly buses, to curb pollution by enforcing vehicle fitness standards on highways.

Moreover, the court expressed concerns about the existing “Green Lockdown” policy, suggesting it may displace pollution rather than reduce it. Instead, the court called for more impactful solutions to address the crisis.

The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) also updated the court on its inquiry into maintenance responsibilities for Lahore’s underpasses, assigning the task to the Punjab Highway Authority to ensure upkeep and safeguard against infrastructure theft.

The smog crisis in Lahore is primarily driven by crop residue burning, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust. To combat this, the Punjab government has launched initiatives such as artificial rain, anti-smog squads, and environmental education.

However, experts warn that the long-term impact of these efforts may take 8-10 years to materialize.