Lahore’s artificial rain project: working group formed to combat smog

LAHORE: In a crucial step towards addressing the perennial issue of smog in Lahore, a dedicated working group has been established to oversee the implementation of an artificial rain project. The group, composed of representatives from federal and provincial departments, as well as research associates, was formed during a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Punjab.

During the meeting, the working group deliberated on the installation of an artificial rain system and a smog reduction tower. The Department of Environmental Protection, Lahore, provided a comprehensive briefing on cloud seeding and the cloud ionization method, emphasising that the first trial for cloud seeding is expected to take place within four to six weeks.

Experts highlighted the significant dependence of chemical cloud seeding on prevailing weather conditions and cloud cover, underscoring the need for careful consideration during the implementation process.

Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) remains to be hazardous with today’s AQI at 388. Despite some anti-smog measures taken by the government in the past few weeks, the pollution level of the city and of other affected cities in the province have not come down.

The measures taken by the government have not reduced the causes of pollution beyond just a momentary halt on the current level of emissions. The atmosphere of the earth is being affected and Pakistan needs to prioritise its climate goals with its financial goals, including implementing cut down on the emissions.

China to help Pakistan in tackling smog crisis by installing smog towers in Punjab

Furthermore, discussions revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Dubai-based company for cloud integration is in its final stages. The Dubai company is set to conduct tests using five systems within six weeks.

In a bid to further combat environmental challenges, a team of experts is scheduled to visit China next month to facilitate the installation of smog reduction towers in Lahore. Additionally, a monitoring cell is being established within the Environment Protection Department to closely monitor the progress and outcomes of these ambitious projects.

Chief Secretary Punjab emphasised the necessity of joint efforts to control environmental pollution, highlighting the collaborative approach required from all stakeholders to tackle the pressing issue of smog in Lahore.

While the formation of the working group signals a proactive step towards leveraging innovative solutions to mitigate the challenge of smog, it is notable that it has been nearly a decade of the province experiencing smog during the winter season.

The government has always resorted to stopgap solutions instead of enacting long-term measures to ensure that the province’s air remains breathable throughout the year. Until the crisis of smog subsides, the health advisory says to avoid going out and using mask to minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals.