Private schools in Lahore have initiated a carpool program aimed at reducing air pollution and alleviating traffic congestion during school hours in a response to the worsening smog crisis in the Punjab capital.
On the directions of the Environment Department, schools have started to inform parents about the initiative.
Under this program, instead of individual students arriving at school in separate vehicles, three to four students from the same neighbourhood will share one car. This effort is designed to decrease the number of vehicles on the road, thereby reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.
The Environment Department has issued official guidance to private schools, following which the schools have started sending letters to parents, urging them to participate in the carpool scheme. The schools have urged parents to use one vehicle from one area.
The Environment Department says that during the opening and closing time of schools, air pollution levels tend to spike, as Lahore faces traffic jams during school hours. Its guidelines say that students coming from one area should use one vehicle.
Also Read: Lahore air quality records dangerously high AQI of over 1000
This decision comes as the air quality in Lahore reached critical levels, with the city recording a dangerously high Air Quality Index (AQI) of 1067 on Saturday morning, according to data from international air monitors.
The city's atmosphere is laden with toxic chemicals, measuring nearly 122 times above the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended air quality guideline limits.
Experts warn that exposure to these levels of toxic air could lead to respiratory complications, particularly affecting those with pre-existing conditions. Medical professionals advise citizens to limit outdoor activities and to wear masks if going outside is unavoidable.
