Punjab Students to Get Only 10 Days of Winter Holidays Amid Smog Crisis?
Amid the air situation, the Punjab government announced winter holidays, igniting a conflict between academic demands and health concerns. Private school associations have vehemently opposed the initial proposal for 20-day winter breaks, arguing that a shorter 10-day holiday period would better balance out the interruptions.
Winter Holidays Update: 10 Days or 20 Days?
Frequent school closures brought on by extreme smog have drawn criticism from the Private School Association, which claims that these disruptions have already hampered pupils’ academic progress. Provincial authorities are thinking of cutting the winter vacation to just 10 days, beginning on December 20, 2024, and concluding on December 30, 2024, as a compromise.
This suggestion shows an attempt to balance the necessity to preserve academic continuity as well as the health hazards that smog poses.
Government’s Stance on the Winter Break
In an effort to shield pupils from the smog crisis, Punjab’s Secretary of Schools declared last month that winter breaks will run from December 20, 2024, until January 10, 2025. Since then, there have been differing views on this choice.
Court’s Recommendation for Extended Holidays
To shield young students from damaging pollution exposure, the Lahore High Court has proposed extending the winter break for primary schools until mid-January. This plan is one of several anti-pollution initiatives that also include:
restricting construction to a few days each week.
To cut down on vehicle emissions, remote work should be promoted whenever feasible.
The court’s recommendations are intended to address the ongoing environmental problem and protect children’s health.
Punjab’s Air Quality Remains Hazardous
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) of Lahore and the surrounding areas is 172, which is classified as “Unhealthy,” despite efforts to reduce pollution. The concentration of PM2.5, a significant pollutant, is more than 15 times higher than the safe threshold recommended by the World Health Organization.
Controlling emissions, limiting construction, and raising public awareness of the negative impacts of pollution are among strategies used to combat smog.