Smog threat looms, major decision taken for educational institutions

The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has directed schools in Lahore to make arrangements to promote carpooling among students, parents and staff as part of efforts to tackle the worsening smog and air pollution in the city.

According to details, Director General Environment Punjab Abdullah Niar Sheikh has ordered school administrations to make carpooling a key component of their anti-smog measures.

Under the directives, schools have been asked to facilitate shared transportation for students, parents and staff travelling from the same areas or along similar routes, with arrangements made through mutual consent.

The EPA said the heavy flow of vehicles around schools during morning hours contributes to traffic congestion and increases air pollution due to vehicle emissions. Reducing the number of vehicles travelling to schools could therefore help limit emissions and mitigate the impact of smog.

DG Environment Abdullah Niar Sheikh said the unnecessary and individual use of vehicles was aggravating Lahore’s air pollution problem, making urgent measures necessary to address the situation.

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