LAHORE: Authorities have directed schools in Lahore to promote carpooling among students, parents and staff as the city faces worsening air pollution and smog.
The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has instructed educational institutions to facilitate shared transportation for people travelling from the same neighbourhoods or along similar routes.
Punjab EPA Director General Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh said reducing unnecessary vehicle movement could help control emissions and improve air quality. He noted that heavy traffic around schools during morning hours contributes to pollution because of congestion, idling and slow-moving vehicles.
Under the proposed arrangements, schools can identify students, parents and staff travelling along common routes and coordinate shared rides. Institutions may also maintain route-wise lists to help families organize carpooling.
Officials stressed that the initiative should become a sustained part of anti-smog measures rather than remain a temporary campaign. They also said the arrangements should not create any additional financial burden for students or their families.
The directive comes as Lahore prepares for another period of unhealthy air quality. Authorities believe reducing the number of vehicles making separate trips to schools could ease congestion and lower transport-related emissions.
The EPA has urged schools, parents and staff to cooperate with the initiative as part of broader efforts to tackle Lahore’s smog problem.
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