Lahore Faces “Green Lockdown” Amid Severe Pollution Crisis
The Pakistani city of Lahore has declared an emergency response to unprecedented air pollution levels, closing all primary schools for a week and implementing a “green lockdown” plan to curb the hazardous air. The measures aim to protect public health while reducing sources of pollution that have pushed Lahore to the top of the global list of cities with the worst air quality.
Schools Close as Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Levels
Starting Monday, primary schools across Lahore will remain closed for an entire week. This drastic decision was made after Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) surpassed 1,000 on Saturday, a level far beyond the World Health Organization’s “dangerous” threshold of 300. The closure aims to shield young children, who are particularly vulnerable to the health risks posed by high levels of pollutants in the air.
Work-from-Home Orders and Reduced Commuting
In addition to school closures, the “green lockdown” plan will shift 50% of Lahore’s office workers to remote work. By reducing the number of commuters, the government hopes to cut down on vehicular emissions, which are a major contributor to the city’s air pollution crisis. Authorities are encouraging businesses and organizations to support this temporary work-from-home initiative as part of the broader effort to improve air quality.
Lahore Tops Global Pollution Rankings
For the second time in recent months, Lahore has ranked as the world’s most polluted city, with the AQI reaching record highs. This ranking is not only a wake-up call for local authorities but also highlights the global significance of air pollution as a public health emergency. Lahore’s crisis is part of a larger problem in South Asia, where cities frequently face high pollution levels due to vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and seasonal crop burning.
