A ‘Smog Day’ was organized at the Defence Authority’s SKBZ College here on Tuesday to foster awareness and precautionary measures.
The wife of the DHA Administrator Brig Shahid Hassan Ali was the chief guest on the occasion.
It was pointed out that environmental degradation was one of the major issues being experienced globally whose one of the toxic after-impact was smog.
It was also mentioned that Lahore and its adjoining districts were engulfed with dense blanket of smog these days causing harmful atmospheric pollution, reduced visibility, irritation of eyes and respiratory problems. The smog contains toxic chemicals like nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide and other pollutants which were harmful for health.
The smog or thick fog was believed to be due to cross border emissions of air pollutants, less downpour, unsafe operation of steel mills and unabated construction work causing intense dust and air pollution.
The students highlighted the hazardous effects of smog in form of presentations, speeches and different skits. The school choir presented national songs on the occasion.
The students and experts including medics made very informative and useful speeches on the subject. The medics stressed on the precautionary measures to be taken in smoggy weather suggesting the citizens to avoid roaming outdoors without wearing optics and masks, drinking of excessive (2 to 2.5 liters) of water daily, shutting down windows of houses tightly, taking cool shower, washing eyes repeatedly, using moist towel and avoiding running and exercising in open air.
They said special care should be taken of children because smog may lead to asthma, eye and throat irritation.
Chief guest Mrs Shahid Hassan Ali appreciated the innovative and novel presentation by the students to highlight the contemporary problem of atmospheric smog in an effective and imaginative manner.
She said that small messages conveyed by the students through speeches and skits for maintaining a healthy, clean and green environment were inspiring and meaningful. She emphasized that the same must be conveyed to the next generation for a brighter and progressive future.
At the end, the students carrying small placards inscribed with environmental-friendly messages made a symbolic walk to show solidarity with healthy and dynamic environment.