In a groundbreaking endeavor to combat the hazardous smog engulfing Lahore, the provincial government of Pakistan employed artificial rain for the first time, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s battle against air pollution. This innovative technique, a “gift” bestowed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), involved flying planes equipped with cloud seeding technology over ten areas in the city.
Lahore, long plagued by alarmingly high levels of air pollution, found itself grappling with the dire consequences of the thick smog. Recognized globally as one of the worst-hit regions by air pollution, the city prompted swift action from the government. Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, acknowledged the UAE’s contribution, referring to the rain-inducing process as a gift from the UAE.
Detailing the procedure, Naqvi explained, “Teams from the UAE, along with two planes, arrived here about 10 to 12 days ago. They used 48 flares to create the rain.” As the city eagerly awaits the outcomes of this “artificial rain,” the effectiveness of the innovative approach remains under scrutiny.
Cloud seeding, a method previously utilized by the UAE to generate rain in arid regions, involves the release of common salt—a blend of various salts—into clouds. These salt crystals facilitate condensation, leading to precipitation. This technique has been adopted in numerous countries, including the United States and China, to stimulate rainfall and alleviate drought conditions.
The severity of air pollution in Pakistan has escalated in recent years, with experts attributing the issue to low-grade diesel emissions and the seasonal burning of crops. Lahore, bearing the brunt of the toxic smog, endures the adverse effects during the winter season, affecting over 11 million residents. Measurements of PM2.5 pollutants in Lahore have surpassed the World Health Organization’s danger limits by a staggering 66 times, underscoring the severity of the crisis.
The WHO warns that prolonged exposure to such polluted air can trigger various health complications, including strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses. Lahore has implemented multiple measures in the past to mitigate air pollution, such as road wetting, weekend closures of schools, factories, and markets.
As Pakistan ventures into this innovative technique of artificial rain to address the concerning smog levels, the nation braces for potential positive outcomes in the ongoing battle against air pollution, fostering hopes for cleaner, healthier environments in affected regions.
Sources By Agencies
