LAHORE: In a historic move to combat hazardous smog levels, Pakistan conducted its first-ever artificial rain experiment in Punjab’s capital, Lahore, on Saturday. The provincial government deployed planes equipped with cloud-seeding equipment over 10 areas in the city, marking a significant step in addressing air pollution, with Lahore being ranked among the worst globally.
Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab Mohsin Naqvi thanked to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), referring to the rain as a “gift” from the UAE. Teams from the UAE, along with two planes, orchestrated the experiment, using 48 flares to induce artificial rain. The impact of this innovative approach is yet to be determined.
The CM highlighted that not a single rupee from Punjab’s funds was spent on this groundbreaking achievement, attributing the success of the artificial rain project in Pakistan to the support extended by the UAE government.
Artificial Rain in Lahore
Strategically concentrated within a radius of 10 to 15 kilometers in Lahore, the precision and effectiveness of the experiment were evident. Naqvi proudly announced that the results elevated Lahore from last night’s rank to the top spot in terms of rainfall.
The UAE has previously employed cloud seeding, releasing a mixture of salts into clouds to encourage rain formation. This method has been used globally, including in the United States and China.
Pakistan has witnessed a deterioration in air quality in recent years, attributed to factors such as low-grade diesel fumes and smoke from seasonal crop burning. Lahore, with over 11 million residents, bears the brunt of toxic smog during the winter season, with PM2.5 pollutant levels exceeding WHO danger limits by more than 66 times.
Prolonged exposure to polluted air can lead to severe health issues, including strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases. Lahore has previously employed various measures, such as water spraying on roads and periodic shutdowns of schools, factories, and markets, to mitigate air pollution.
