Change in School Timings Due to Smog Under Punjab Environmental Protection Act – Notification

Dated 22 10.2024

CHANGE OF SCHOOL TIMINGS U/S 6(1)(t) OF THE PUNJAB ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1997

ORDER

WHEREAS, Environmental Protection Agency. Govt. of Punjab is striving hard to combat the devastating impacts of smog that is likely prevail from October-December, 2024. Addressing critical air pollution events is crucial to protect public health, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, as prolonged exposure to pollutants can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

• AND WHEREAS, Section 6(1) (t) of the ‘bid Act empowers EPA to take or cause to be taken all necessary measures for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the environment. prevention and control of pollution and promotion of sustainable development;
• AND WHEREAS the Health Advisory System for Critical Air Pollution Events (HAS-CAPES) has been notified on 13 12.2022 under which the meeting of Provincial CAPES Committee (PCC) was held on 21.10.2024 in which it was unanimously agreed to issue the health advisory keeping in view the recent rise in All Quality Index above critical level of 150 for two consecutive days.
• NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, PAS, Director General, Environmental Protection Agency, Punjab in exercise of the powers conferred upon me U/S 6(1)(t) of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997, do hereby order that, henceforth, the opening timing shall not be before 8:45 am in all the public and private schools within the territorial jurisdiction of District Lahore.
• Any contravention to this order shall be punished under relevant legal framework.
• This order shall come into force with effect from 28^th October 2024 (Monday) and will remain in force till 31^st January 2025.

Issued under my hand and seal on this 22^nd day of Oct, 2024.

Director General
Environmental Protection Agency
Punjab