The Punjab government has decided to change school timings as smog levels in the province are reduced.
The new timings will take effect from December 4, 2024. Schools will now open at 8:15 am.
Previously, the government decided to extend school timings as smog blanketed major cities in the province. On November 18, the government pushed school timings to 8:45 am and maintained that all outdoor activities would be restricted.
However, as the air quality has improved in the past week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab has issued a notification announcing the resumption of normal winter timings in schools.
“All public and private schools across Punjab will be required to open at 8:15 am starting from December 4,” the notification read.
The directive was issued under the Environmental Protection Act 1997, and it mandates immediate implementation.
Imran Hamed Sheikh, the Director-General of Environment, while talking to the media, also stressed that any schools failing to comply with the new timings will face legal action, including fines and penalties.
The official notification also directed all the commissioners and deputy commissioners in the province to ensure full compliance with the new timings with the primary aim of protecting the health of students and teachers.