Punjab to Get 2 Holidays for Schools and Colleges in Smog-Hit Districts

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a directive to the Punjab government to announce 2 holidays with all schools and colleges to remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays in smog-hit districts of the province.

Alongside this, government and private offices are urged to implement a work-from-home (WFH) policy for two days each week in these smog-impacted districts. Furthermore, all public and private offices located in Lahore division, Sheikhupura, Khanewal, and Bahawalnagar will remain closed 2 days a week.

The LHC’s decision doesn’t stop there. It has directed to replace the Director-General of Environment due to the failure in effectively addressing the smog crisis. Justice Shahid Karim further instructed the reassignment of Deputy Commissioners in several areas including Jhang, Hafiz Abad, Khanewal, Nankana Sahib, Bahawalnagar, and Sheikhupura.

To expedite this, the Chief Secretary of Punjab has been ordered to promptly issue notifications regarding the transfers of these officials. The court emphasized that vehicular emissions are the primary contributors to the prevailing smog.

The court didn’t solely focus on closures and personnel changes. It also directed the Punjab government to take concrete steps in reducing pollution. Specifically, they were tasked with promoting cycling within the province and acquiring electric motorcycles for government staff.

The judgment delivered by the LHC also criticized the Punjab government for continuing developmental projects amidst the suffocating smog, suggesting that these actions could exacerbate the environmental crisis.

The court’s decision reflects a concerted effort to address the critical issue of smog in affected areas by enforcing measures that aim to reduce vehicular emissions, enable remote work, and encourage eco-friendly modes of transportation. This stance taken by the Lahore High Court underlines the urgency and severity of the smog problem, compelling administrative changes and immediate environmental initiatives.

However, the concerned departments are yet to follow through and issue notification regarding the two holidays in these Punjab districts or the implementation of a work-from-home policy (WHF).

It is pertinent to mention that Punjab government has announced a complete lockdown in smog-hit districts, which ended up being lifted after rain in the region improved the air quality index (AQI).

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