Punjab govt devises plan for artificial rain to reduce smog

LAHORE: The Punjab government has made significant strides in addressing the smog issue by completing arrangements for artificial rain, as announced by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

This initiative aims to combat the increasing threat of smog as winter approaches. The government has allocated necessary resources for artificial rain and other measures, under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Artificial rain will be induced with the assistance of the Meteorological Department, ensuring the process meets international standards. A single session of artificial rain is estimated to cost between 5 to 7 million rupees. The public’s cooperation is crucial in tackling smog, and Aurangzeb urged everyone to join the collective effort.

This isn’t the first time the Punjab government has explored artificial rain. Last December, a test was conducted via cloud-seeding over a limited area in Lahore, with the help of the UAE.

The experiment yielded positive results, with around 10% of Lahore receiving rainfall due to cloud seeding. The government’s efforts to tackle smog also include setting up an environmental commission, introducing an electric bike policy, and providing modern machinery to farmers to destroy crop residues.

Earlier, Lahore was announced as the top most populated city in the world, whereas the air quality in the provincial capital worsened up to level 156.