Lahore schools ordered to enforce carpooling amid rising smog

LAHORE: Schools across Lahore have been directed to make carpooling among students, parents and staff mandatory as authorities step up efforts to tackle worsening smog and hazardous air pollution.

The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has instructed educational institutions to encourage shared transport among students, parents and staff, particularly those travelling from the same areas or using similar routes.

Director General Environment Punjab Abdullah Niazi Sheikh has ordered school administrations to formally incorporate the measure into their anti-smog efforts and facilitate vehicle-sharing arrangements with mutual consent.

Authorities said heavy traffic around schools during morning hours, along with vehicle emissions, contributes significantly to Lahore’s air pollution.

They noted that reducing the number of vehicles operating around schools could help ease smog levels.

DG Environment Abdullah Niazi Sheikh said unnecessary and individual vehicle use was contributing to the city’s worsening air quality, making immediate measures necessary to address the situation.