ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, announced on Tuesday that the first artificial rain project in Lahore has yielded positive results, effectively mitigating the hazardous impact of smog in the provincial capital.
Ambassador Al Zaabi highlighted the project’s achievements under the direct oversight of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court. Executed in collaboration with the Federal Government of Pakistan and the Punjab provincial government, the initiative aims to address the severe air pollution affecting Lahore and its population of over 22 million people.
The UAE ambassador shared details of the artificial rain project, emphasizing its role in combating elevated air pollution levels. Residents of Lahore witnessed the first artificial rain on December 16, with plans for continued implementation in the upcoming weeks. The initiative utilized cloud seeding techniques, covering a 10-15-kilometer area in Lahore.
Ambassador Al Zaabi said that the process, involving the deployment of 48 flares to stimulate rain, was conducted with utmost precision, targeting specific areas and ensuring the use of only harmless water.
Ambassador Highlights UAE’s Pioneering Role in Artificial Rain Science
Highlighting the UAE’s commitment to rain enhancement research, Ambassador Al Zaabi spoke about the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science. Launched by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2015, the international research initiative supports innovative technologies and research proposals addressing water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions. The program has provided over $18 million in financial grants for 11 research projects, contributing to global knowledge in rain enhancement science and technology.
The Ambassador explained the concept of artificial cloud seeding, describing it as a deliberate process to alter weather conditions. This involves stimulating clouds to release hidden water or frozen snow over specific areas through chemical or biological factors.
The goals of artificial cloud seeding include increasing rainfall in low precipitation areas, purifying and cooling the air, preventing storms, and reducing the impact of hurricanes by inducing early rainfall. Additionally, the process helps in mitigating the sun’s heat by increasing cloud mass.
Ambassador Al Zaabi explained that artificial rain seeding involves the introduction of condensation catalysts into clouds. This can be achieved through aircraft or ground cannons employing materials such as dry ice, solid carbon dioxide, silver iodide, calcium chloride, sodium chloride, and water-mist. The use of silver iodide, a well-known method in artificial cloud seeding, increases cloud density, causing ice crystals to freeze and fall to the ground. Success in this process depends on natural factors, including the presence of cumulus clouds, rising air, optimal timing for cloud seeding, and accurate determination of stimulating material quantities.
