As winter settles in, students across Punjab are eagerly anticipating their winter break, which will begin on December 20, 2024. Punjab’s Secretary of Schools, Khalid Nazir Watoo, has announced that schools across the province will observe a 20-day holiday, lasting until January 10, 2025.
This announcement comes as the province continues to grapple with severe smog conditions, which had earlier forced the closure of educational institutions. Schools were shifted to online learning temporarily due to hazardous air quality, particularly in Lahore, which has been ranked among the most polluted cities in the world.
The toxic smog, caused by industrial emissions, crop burning, and vehicular pollution, has raised health concerns, particularly for children and the elderly. Despite the reopening of schools, many parents and educators remain concerned about the long-term impact of the smog on students’ health.
In Lahore, visibility remains low, and air quality continues to hover at dangerous levels. Authorities have advised residents to take precautions, such as wearing masks and limiting outdoor activities.
The winter break will provide students with a respite from the challenges posed by both academic schedules and the environmental crisis. However, it also underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to combat pollution in one of the country’s most populous provinces.