In the wake of Punjab's worst air pollution crisis, the government announced a break for students from primary to 12th grades. While this decision was a much-needed respite for the younger generation, it raised a pressing question: why were universities left out of this announcement?
Were university students not entitled to the same level of care and concern from the government in the face of hazardous smog that enveloped our cities?
The air quality in Punjab, especially in Lahore, reached alarming levels this month, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching hazardous levels. Hospitals reported a dramatic increase in patients suffering from respiratory issues, and the overall environment became unbearable. The government’s decision to close schools until the middle of November was certainly a positive step, but there appeared to be a glaring oversight when it came to university students, who were equally exposed to the harmful effects of the toxic air.
Is it because university students are perceived as more resilient, or perhaps because they are adults who are expected to handle such situations on their own? It was disheartening to see that, while the government acted swiftly to protect the younger generation, no action was initially taken to safeguard the health of varsity students. This lack of consideration for the university-going population reflected how the authorities continue to neglect the well-being of higher education students.
Universities in Punjab continued to operate as usual, with students braving the harsh outdoor conditions to attend their classes. Students were forced to deal with air that was thick with pollutants, posing significant health risks to them. For many, travelling via public transportation to universities meant long commutes through polluted streets, adding to the already dangerous exposure to toxic air. Should we expect university students to be any less human than schoolchildren? Why must they risk their health when preventive measures like a holiday could so easily have been implemented?
There needs to be stricter enforcement of industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and crop burning laws. Investments in green technologies, improved waste management, and better public transport systems can significantly reduce pollution levels
The question is not just about the closure of universities. It is about ensuring that the government takes a holistic approach to protect all citizens, irrespective of their age, and to provide solutions that will work across all levels of education. University students, like their younger counterparts, need protection from the effects of air pollution, which can lead to long-term health complications such as asthma, bronchitis, and other serious respiratory diseases.
To address this, I propose that the government extend the holidays to include universities. These institutions, just like schools, serve a large number of students who are equally vulnerable to hazardous air quality. While universities may have a different academic calendar, the ongoing environmental crisis demands that all educational institutions consider the safety of their students.
Moreover, the government must implement long-term strategies to address the growing issue of smog. Smog in Punjab is not a seasonal crisis but a recurring problem, and it is time that we confront its root causes. There needs to be stricter enforcement of industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and crop burning laws. Investments in green technologies, improved waste management, and better public transport systems can significantly reduce pollution levels.
It is also important to raise awareness about individual responsibility. Citizens must be educated on how they can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to minimising air pollution. This can include encouraging people to use public transportation, carpooling, and adopting eco-friendly practices. However, these measures cannot be fully effective without implementing strong policies from the government to regulate and reduce pollution at the source.
Lastly, it is vital for the government to engage with experts and environmental activists to implement solutions that can combat smog effectively. By working together, we can create an environment that not only protects the younger generation but also ensures the health and safety of university students, teachers, and the general public.
While the decision to close schools was a step in the right direction, excluding university students from this consideration is unacceptable. The government must recognise the dangers posed by the smog and extend the same level of protection to higher education institutions. Until that happens, university students will continue to suffer in silence as they are forced to attend classes under hazardous conditions. The health of our future leaders is at stake, and it is time that we, as a society, demand the protection they deserve.
I call on the government to take immediate action: close universities for the duration of this air pollution crisis and prioritise the health of all students, regardless of their academic level. Our future depends on the well-being of our youth, and that should never be compromised.