Schools closed today as smog chokes Lahore

• Punjab CM said that they are closely monitoring the smog situation.
• Smog caused respiratory problems to the citizens, many complaining of sore throats and watery eyes.

Following the sudden abnormally high levels of the smog on Wednesday night, all schools in Lahore have been closed on Thursday.

The Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab Usman Buzdar took to his Twitter handle and announced that all schools in Lahore will be closed due to the sudden increase in smog. He further said that they are closely monitoring the smog and the administration is already on high alert.

He said that he has tasked the administration to escalate actions against crop burning and other factors that contribute to smog.

Due to sudden increase in smog, all schools in Lahore will remain closed tomorrow.

We are closely monitoring the #LahoreSmog situation.

Administration is already on high alert and have tasked them to escalate actions against crop burning and other factors that contribute to smog

— Usman Buzdar (@UsmanAKBuzdar) November 6, 2019

On Wednesday, the level of smog was hazardous and at night Lahore’s Air Quality Index was PM2.5 - 580. The smog caused respiratory problems to the citizens, with majority complaining about sore throats and watery eyes. Smog, had also made driving any kind of vehicle virtually impossible.

Punjab Education Minister Murad Raas also took to his Twitter and said wrote that smog was at abnormally high level. He said that the smog is closely being monitored, cautioning that kids be refrained from going outdoors.

SMOG at abnormally high levels right now in Lahore. Continuously monitoring the situation. Please refrain from taking the kids outdoors unless it is absolutely necessary. Will update.

— Murad Raas (@DrMuradPTI) November 6, 2019

A group of students have petitioned the Lahore High Court asking that the government tell the truth about the severity of air pollution in Lahore.The sudden rise in smog is stemmed from the change of direction of wind, which brought smoke and other pollutants from India, local media reported.

A satellite image by NASA shows massive stubble burning by paddy farmers in Indian Punjab. The issue is affecting India as well, as the Indian Supreme Court has asked authorities to control the menace.