Thick layers of smog have covered many parts of Punjab. The air quality has dropped sharply, making breathing difficult and affecting daily life. Roads, parks, and even school areas are filled with a grey haze early in the morning.
Due to these worsening conditions, the Punjab Education Department has announced new school timings across the province. According to the latest notification, no school, public or private will be allowed to open before 8:45 a.m. This change aims to protect students and teachers from exposure to smog during early hours when pollution is at its peak.
The notification also warned that any school violating these new timings will face strict penalties. Fines may range from Rs100,000 to Rs1 million, depending on the severity of the violation.
Officials have urged parents and schools to follow the new schedule and ensure that children wear masks and stay indoors as much as possible during smog-heavy mornings.
Smog has become a yearly challenge for Punjab, especially in winter, and authorities hope that these small adjustments will help reduce health risks and keep students safe.