As hazardous smog continues to blanket the Punjab province, authorities have ramped up measures to mitigate the environmental crisis. In a bid to safeguard public health, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed a ban on public access to all parks, zoos, playgrounds, historical sites, monuments, museums, and amusement areas, effective immediately.
The ban, announced in a notification signed by Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director General of the EPA, will remain in force until November 17, 2024 (Sunday). The ban applies to several districts across the province, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan Divisions, specifically affecting the following areas:
- Lahore
- Sheikhupura
- Kasur
- Nankana Sahib
- Gujranwala
- Gujrat
- Hafizabad
- Mandi Bahauddin
- Sialkot
- Narowal
- Faisalabad
- Chiniot
- Jhang
- Toba Tek Singh
- Multan
- Lodhran
- Vehari
- Khanewal
The notification comes as Lahore recorded alarming levels of air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching an overwhelming 860 on November 8, later dipping to 613 by mid-morning. Despite the drop, the air quality remained in the hazardous range, posing significant health risks.
The provincial government has warned that individuals found violating the ban will face legal consequences under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
In its statement, the EPA emphasized that the Punjab government is actively working to address the root causes of air pollution and improve air quality. Efforts include preemptive measures to control pollution sources, led by the EPA in collaboration with other government departments.
The notification further referenced the Health Advisory System for Critical Air Pollution Events (HAS-CAPEs), which was officially introduced in December 2022. Following the recent surge in pollution levels, the Provincial CAPEs Committee declared a Critical Air Pollution Event in Lahore on October 21, 2024.
The EPA’s authority to take such actions is backed by Section 6(1)(t) of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 1997, which empowers the agency to implement measures for environmental protection, pollution control, and the promotion of sustainable development.
The government is urging citizens to comply with the restrictions to help reduce exposure to the harmful effects of the ongoing smog crisis.
