ISLAMABAD: The Punjab Ministry of Environment is considering testing 12 imported weather generators and cutting-edge artificial rain equipment throughout the province to tackle the growing threat of smog.
While talking to the media, Punjab’s interim environment minister, Bilal Afzal, made this announcement on Monday. The federal minister also recently announced a weather generator’s impending arrival in Pakistan next month, boasting the capability to disperse smog in a designated area of 5 square kilometers.
Emphasizing the urgency of addressing air pollution, the minister highlighted the importance of reducing harmful gas emissions and employing modern technology for pollution control.
The Punjab government is exploring the provision of cutting-edge machinery to farmers, aiming to decrease reliance on open-air crop burning. Additionally, discussions on implementing artificial rainfall to eliminate smog are underway, with preparations for November 28 or 29, taking advantage of potential cloudy weather.
Addressing the complexity of the smog crisis in Lahore, the minister highlighted the need for sustained awareness campaigns and long-term policies in Punjab.
Identifying multiple sources of pollution, such as industrial activities, vehicle emissions, crop stubble burning, and construction projects, he highlighted their collective impact on the city’s deteriorating air quality, posing significant health risks to residents.
Undeterred by the challenging circumstances, the current government remains steadfast in its commitment to mitigating the smog problem by implementing comprehensive, long-term strategies.
A crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles is already in progress, forming part of a broader initiative to enhance air quality and safeguard the well-being of Lahore’s populace.
Furthermore, the Punjab government has imposed substantial fines on individuals violating pollution regulations in industries and transportation systems. —APP
