Punjab schools told to limit outdoor activities amid smog

LAHORE: The Punjab government has instructed all public schools to follow the Pre-Smog Action Plan 2026 during the smog season to safeguard students from hazardous air pollution, according to a notification released on Tuesday. The School Education Department emphasized the need for preventive measures to protect pupils from smog, aligning with the plan prepared by the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency for July-September 2026.

Schools are required to minimize outdoor activities, monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) before allowing sports or exercises outdoors, and ensure students wear face masks during school hours. Additionally, schools are urged to prohibit outdoor play when air quality is poor, and students should avoid unnecessary exposure to unhealthy AQI levels or during severe AQI episodes.

Measures to seal doors and windows are also mandated to limit polluted air intake. The department has established committees at various administrative levels to facilitate the safe organization of sports activities, including badminton, hockey, table tennis, cricket, volleyball, athletics, chess, and football, with calendars set to be issued end of next month. All participating schools, regardless of gender, are expected to adhere to the schedule.