The Punjab government on Friday banned public entry in all public and private parks, zoos, playgrounds, play lands, historical sites, monuments, and museums of four divisions, as it continues to struggle with reducing smog from its prevailing hazardous levels.
While provincial capital Lahore continues to post Air Quality Index (AQI) levels beyond the 300 level designated as “hazardous,” the air quality in other cities of the province has similarly deteriorated, especially Multan, which briefly crossed 1,500 AQI.
In a notification, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it was imposing further restrictions in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Multan divisions under Section 6(1)(t) of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 1997. The legislation empowers the EPA to take all necessary measures for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the environment, prevention and control of pollution, and promotion of sustainable development.
The EPA said the new restrictions banning entry to recreational areas would remain in place from Nov. 8 (today) until Nov. 17. They would apply to districts of Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahudin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Chiniot, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Multan, Lodhran, Vehari and Khanewal, it added.
Earlier, the EPA had ordered the closure of all schools till Grade-12 in the affected districts until Nov. 17 and had also commenced imposition of fines and registration of cases against factories, mills and cars contributing to pollution.
LHC orders
Separately, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the closure of all markets in Lahore by 8 p.m., and the complete suspension of trade activities on Sunday, until the smog situation improves. Additionally, the court ordered all private offices to implement a work-from-home policy twice a week and directed authorities to initiate a crackdown on smoke-producing vehicles.
Any AQI over 300, per health experts, risks shortening the life expectancy of citizens by 5 years. According to the Punjab Health Department, it has seen a massive surge in cases of eye infections and respiratory problems since the current wave of smog commenced last month. Medical professionals advise people to avoid the outdoors during times of high AQI, as well as use more water to stay hydrated.