LAHORE: The Punjab School Education Department has issued a pre-smog action plan to protect students from the potential health impacts of deteriorating air quality during the upcoming smog season.
The plan, which will remain in effect from July to September 2026, directs schools across Punjab to adopt preventive measures and minimise students’ unnecessary exposure to polluted outdoor air.
Under the plan, schools have been instructed to check the Air Quality Index (AQI) before allowing students to participate in outdoor exercise or physical activities. Outdoor sports and other activities are to be suspended when smog causes air quality to deteriorate to unhealthy levels.
Schools in areas experiencing unhealthy AQI levels have also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and outdoor visits.
The department has further directed schools to keep doors and windows closed during smoggy conditions to reduce students’ exposure to polluted air.
All school heads have been instructed to ensure strict implementation of the recommended safety measures and take appropriate steps to safeguard students from the harmful effects of air pollution.
The pre-smog action plan is aimed at helping educational institutions prepare for deteriorating air quality and reduce students’ exposure to pollution during the smog season.
The measures also highlight the growing importance of air-quality monitoring and preventive action in schools, particularly as Punjab continues to face recurring episodes of severe smog and air pollution.
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