The Punjab government has officially banned all outdoor activities, including assemblies and sports in schools, as part of its precautionary measures to protect students during the ongoing smog season. Authorities stated that the decision was necessary to minimize exposure to polluted air, which has been worsening due to seasonal changes and urban pollution across the province.
Schools have been instructed to focus on indoor awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of wearing masks and following protective guidelines. Administrations have also been directed to share reports of these awareness activities on social media platforms to ensure wider outreach and promote responsible practices among students and parents.
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Additionally, classrooms have been ordered to remain properly ventilated and cleaned regularly during the smog season. The government emphasized that schools must strictly avoid the burning of garbage and instead ensure proper disposal methods are adopted to reduce the sources contributing to hazardous air quality.
The directives further require schools to maintain updated emergency health records of students, particularly those suffering from asthma, respiratory issues, or heart diseases. This step aims to provide immediate medical support in case of smog-related health complications, ensuring students’ safety remains the top priority for administrations.
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District Education Authorities have also been tasked with monitoring the Air Quality Index (AQI) daily to track pollution levels in their respective areas. Schools are bound to submit weekly reports to the provincial education department, enabling the government to closely evaluate compliance with anti-smog measures.
Officials believe that strict enforcement of these measures will significantly reduce health risks among school-going children. By focusing on preventive action and real-time monitoring, the government aims to safeguard students’ well-being until smog levels return to safer limits.