Lahore schools to remain closed for two days due to smog

LAHORE: Punjab Education Department has announced closing all schools located in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala from today to Saturday.

Punjab Minister for Schools Education Dr. Murad Raas posted a tweet, “All Public & Private Schools in Lahore, Faisalabad & Gujranwala will be closed tomorrow Friday, November 15th & Saturday, November 16th, 2019 due to poor Air Quality. We will protect our children at all costs. Punjab Government is taking all necessary steps to improve air quality.”

All Public & Private Schools in Lahore, Faisalabad & Gujranwala will be closed tomorrow Friday November 15th & Saturday November 16th, 2019 due to poor Air Quality. We will protect our Children at all costs. Punjab Government is taking all necessary steps to improve air quality. pic.twitter.com/gz57ZlS6mg

— Murad Raas (@DrMuradPTI) November 14, 2019

The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 474 in Lahore in the early morning today. At present, the city is ranked second most polluted in the world; first place is occupied by the neighboring New Delhi. 

Also read; India experiences eye-irritation as smog reaches worst levels

An AQI ranking between 301-500 is classified as hazardous. If it increases from 200, it environment becomes very unhealthy, it may cause serious health issues.

If the rank increases from 300 to 500, it causes real hazards, indicating the warning of an emergency. Lahore is exceeding the rank of 470 nowadays.

Also read: Can help India in combating air pollution: Fawad Chaudhry

Smog has once again hit various areas of Lahore city, disrupting the routine life as the citizens are reeling under such weather conditions.

It is caused by a lack of rain and immense pollution. Smoke from vehicles, factories, and burning of the remains of crops could one of the major factors behind the dense smog.

Also read: Govt closes educational institutes in Lahore due to smog

Pakistan is ranked 123 in AQI worldwide. Now the AQI of Lahore would be at 474, touching its highest limit that has serious hazards for the citizens of the city.