As Punjab continues to battle hazardous levels of smog, authorities have enacted strict measures to mitigate its impact. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Punjab has issued a ban on public access to all parks, zoos, playgrounds, historical sites, monuments, museums, and amusement parks, effective immediately and lasting until November 17.
The notification, signed by EPA Director General Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, applies to Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan Divisions, covering districts including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Chiniot, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Multan, Lodhran, Vehari, and Khanewal.
In Lahore, air quality hit an alarming AQI of 860, placing it among the world’s most polluted cities. By late morning, the AQI had decreased to 613 but remained in hazardous levels. Violators of the new ban face penalties under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The EPA reiterated that the government is taking strong action to address pollution sources. The agency highlighted the implementation of a Health Advisory System for Critical Air Pollution Events, which classified Lahore’s current situation as critical.
The notification emphasized the EPA’s authority under the Punjab Environmental Protection Act of 1997 to enforce measures for environmental conservation and pollution control across the province.
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