Lahore prepares for artificial rain as Met dept announces plan to fight smog

WEB DESK: Chief Meteorologist Chaudhry Aslam of the Meteorological Department has announced the initiation of preparations for artificial rain in Lahore next month, aiming to address the escalating smog issue.

Aslam elaborated on the process, indicating the utilisation of a specific spray on clouds to induce artificial rainfall. Following its application, the artificial rainfall is anticipated within a brief period, lasting for approximately 45 minutes or even longer.

The anticipated artificial rainfall is projected to have a significant impact on the prevailing smog conditions, providing a substantial reduction in smog levels and air pollution in Lahore.

This measure is part of a series of proactive initiatives unveiled by the anti-smog committee of the Punjab caretaker cabinet on November 16.

Chief Meteorologist Aslam noted that artificial rain had been implemented in the past, citing instances in 2001 and 2002 when Pakistan Army aircraft assisted in inducing artificial rainfall during both summer and winter.

However, he clarified that there are no plans for artificial rain on November 28 and 29.

In a related development, an extensive anti-smog campaign in Lahore resulted in fines for thousands of smoke-emitting vehicles.

Commissioner Lahore, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, reiterated the importance of launching awareness campaigns to encourage citizens to wear face masks as a protective measure against the adverse effects of smog.

Recent air quality assessments revealed alarming statistics, with Lahore surpassing the global pollution rankings.

The city’s air quality, measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI), reached a hazardous level of 470, topping the global charts. In comparison, Delhi recorded a level of 302, followed by Karachi at 204.

Lahore, as Pakistan’s second-largest city, grapples with an ongoing smog crisis adversely affecting the health and livelihoods of millions of residents.

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