Punjab schools told to limit outdoor activities amid smog

The Punjab government has issued directives to all public schools to implement the Pre-Smog Action Plan 2026 to protect students from hazardous air pollution during the smog season. According to a notification, schools are to limit outdoor activities and check the Air Quality Index (AQI) before permitting outdoor workouts or exercises.

Students are instructed to wear face masks during school hours, while schools must restrict outdoor play during periods of poor air quality. The department advises students and school administrations to avoid unnecessary exposure to polluted air or visits to areas with unhealthy AQI levels, particularly during severe AQI episodes.

To reduce the intake of polluted air, schools have been directed to keep doors and windows closed. These measures aim to prevent and mitigate smog, with education authorities required to enforce them strictly across all schools. Additionally, the School Education Department has established committees at various levels to oversee the smooth organization of sports activities such as badminton, hockey, table tennis, cricket, volleyball, athletics, chess, and football, aiming to promote students' physical and mental health.

All committees will issue sports activity calendars starting at the end of next month, with synchronized calendars across tehsil, district, divisional, and provincial levels to ensure seamless competitions. All schools, including both boys’ and girls’ institutions, are mandated to participate in sports activities as per the schedule.