By: Faiza Farooq
In a historic move, Pakistan has initiated the use of artificial rain to combat the hazardous smog plaguing Lahore, a city consistently ranking among the worst globally for air pollution. This groundbreaking experiment, the first of its kind in the country, was conducted with support from the United Arab Emirates.
A fleet of planes, equipped with cloud seeding technology, soared over 10 targeted areas in Lahore, releasing 48 flares provided by the UAE. Mohsin Naqvi, the caretaker chief minister of Punjab, expressed gratitude for this “gift” from the UAE and stated that the efficacy of the artificial rain would be assessed by Saturday night.
Cloud seeding, also known as artificial rain or blueskying, involves the release of common salt or a mixture of salts into clouds, prompting condensation and rain formation. While this weather modification technique has been employed in various countries, including the United States, China, and India, its introduction in Pakistan signifies a bold step to address the escalating air pollution crisis.
Lahore, with a population exceeding 11 million, grapples with severe smog during the winter season. Hazardous levels of PM2.5 pollutants, surpassing 66 times the World Health Organization’s danger limits, pose severe health risks, including strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses.
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This initiative unfolds as prior measures to mitigate smog, such as spraying water on roads and implementing weekend shutdowns of schools and factories, have yielded limited success. When questioned about a long-term strategy, Chief Minister Naqvi emphasized the need for in-depth studies to formulate an effective plan against Lahore’s persistent smog crisis.
This landmark effort reflects a collaborative approach to explore innovative solutions to the escalating air pollution crisis, offering a ray of hope for the millions affected by Lahore’s toxic smog. As the results of this pioneering experiment unfold, it holds the potential to reshape strategies for combating air pollution not only in Pakistan but also in regions grappling with similar environmental challenges worldwide.
