Punjab Schools to Close for Winter Break Amid Smog Concerns

Punjab Announces Winter Vacations for Schools Amid Smog Concerns

Lahore: According to a statement released on Monday, the Punjab government has officially announced a 20-day winter vacation for all public and private schools across the province. The schools will remain closed from December 20, 2024, to January 10, 2025, as per the notification issued by the Secretary of Schools Punjab, Khalid Nazir Wattoo.

Lahore High Court Orders for Smog Mitigation

The announcement coincided with significant directives issued by the Lahore High Court (LHC) to mitigate the ongoing smog crisis. Justice Shahid, Karim of the LHC, released a three-page written order on Monday, emphasizing the need for organized transportation services for schoolchildren following the winter break.

Mandatory School Transportation Post-Vacation

The court mandated that schools provide reliable pick-and-drop transportation for students to reduce the number of individual vehicles on the roads, contributing to air pollution. Schools that fail to adhere to these instructions risk being sealed by authorities. Furthermore, the LHC explicitly prohibited schools from issuing disclaimers that absolve them of student transportation responsibility.

Punjab Government’s Efforts Against Smog

In the same order, the court noted that the Punjab government has taken proactive measures to combat the hazardous smog. Officials informed the court that several individuals had been arrested for engaging in stubble burning, a significant contributor to air pollution in the region.

Additionally, the LHC directed the education department to maintain a detailed public and private school bus database to ensure compliance and efficiency in transportation services.

Relaxation of Smog-Related Restrictions

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has eased some restrictions imposed earlier due to the high smog levels. Construction activities, which were previously halted in four districts, including Lahore, have now been allowed to resume. This decision follows a significant reduction in smog levels over the past 10 days.

Smog’s Impact on Daily Life

The persistent smog has been a growing concern for residents of Punjab, disrupting daily life and posing severe health risks. The temporary suspension of construction work and the new transportation orders are part of broader efforts to curb pollution and ensure public safety.

Conclusion

The Punjab government’s dual approach—announcing winter vacations and introducing stricter transportation guidelines—aims to address both the immediate needs of students and the broader environmental challenges smog poses. These measures reflect an ongoing commitment to creating a safer and healthier environment for the people of Punjab.

Source: ARY

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