LAHORE: Punjab is considering a bold move to address severe smog crisis gripping the province and implementing a three-month wedding ban, according to Geo News.
As part of broader effort to combat worsening air quality, the Advocate General (AG) of Punjab recently shared the idea with Lahore High Court, proposing that weddings be limited to October, with a ban in place for November, December and January to help reduce pollution during winter months.
This comes as Punjab continues to face hazardous smog situation, particularly in Lahore which recently topped global list of most polluted cities.
The toxic air has sparked health concerns for millions of residents especially young children. UNICEF has issued warnings about dangers of prolonged exposure to such polluted air with more than 11 million children under five at risk.
The wedding ban proposal is part of government’s wider smog mitigation plan. Other measures already in place include closure of schools, reduction of staff at offices and ban on heavy vehicles entering the city.
A task force has also been set up in each district to enforce the new rules, and over 100 buses emitting high levels of smoke have been taken off the roads since November 9.
Smog in Punjab is not a new issue but this season has been severe. The air pollution is owing to crop burning, vehicle emissions and coal-powered plants.
As smog continues to blanket cities like Lahore and Multan, officials are looking for more drastic measures to improve air quality and protect health of citizens.
Read next: No rush for new taxes: FBR tells IMF, considers fuel tax reduction