In the midst of Punjab’s struggle with increasing smog levels, the government has taken drastic measures, closing down restaurants across the province. However, this move seems unjustified, especially considering that restaurants are not significant contributors to the smog predicament.

The decision to shut down dining establishments primarily on Sundays, with partial openings on Friday and Saturday, reflects a misguided attempt to mitigate smog by targeting businesses that aren’t the primary culprits. The repercussions of these closures and time constraints are wreaking havoc on the restaurant industry, pushing many establishments to the verge of closure.

It’s imperative to acknowledge that restaurants bear minimal responsibility for the ongoing smog crisis. Punishing these businesses with forced closures is an unfair and disproportionate measure that fails to address the root causes of the environmental issue. Instead, it places an unjust burden on restaurant owners and employees, who now face significant financial losses and the looming threat of shutting down their livelihoods.

While environmental concerns demand urgent attention and action, it is vital to adopt measures that effectively tackle the primary sources of pollution without unfairly penalizing unrelated industries. Collaborative efforts between the government and various sectors should focus on identifying and addressing the core contributors to smog, implementing targeted solutions to curb pollution effectively.

The current situation demands a balanced approach, considering both environmental concerns and the economic well-being of businesses. It is essential to reevaluate these stringent measures and strive for more equitable solutions that address environmental challenges without unfairly burdening sectors unrelated to the problem. This approach will foster a more sustainable and just path forward for both environmental conservation and economic stability.