PSO sends Rs. 0.4m bill to Punjab govt for artificial rain expenses

LAHORE: Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has stirred controversy by presenting a bill of over 0.4 million to the caretaker Punjab government, despite earlier assertions that the artificial rain conducted in Lahore last year incurred no expenses.

The artificial rain initiative was hailed as a groundbreaking solution to combat the severe air pollution crisis that enveloped Lahore in December 2023. With hazardous levels of toxic smog posing a threat to the health of over 11 million residents, the government resorted to innovative measures to alleviate the situation.

The technique involved cloud seeding, a process where aircraft release chemicals into clouds to induce precipitation. For this purpose, an aircraft was acquired from Dubai, specifically the King Airsea 90 GTI aircraft, which was refueled twice for the operation.

The first refueling amounted to 716 liters of fuel, costing Rs. 203,072, while the second refueling consumed 722 liters, amounting to Rs. 223,386. These expenses have now been presented to the caretaker Punjab government by PSO.

Interestingly, the government had initially claimed that the artificial rain endeavor incurred no costs. However, the revelation of this bill has sparked criticism and raised questions about transparency and accountability in government initiatives.

Lahore’s AQI improves day after first experiment of artificial rain

The bill has been deducted from the Rs. 25 lakh advance allocated for VIP flights, highlighting a shift in financial priorities and resource allocation within the government.

On December 16, 2023, history was made as artificial rain was successfully induced in Lahore for the first time ever. A total of 48 flare fires were ignited for cloud seeding in the Shahdara area of Lahore, marking a significant milestone in environmental management.

The Punjab government, in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates, spearheaded the artificial rain experiment, signaling a willingness to explore innovative solutions to address pressing environmental challenges.

According to government reports, artificial rain was administered in 10 areas across Lahore, offering a glimmer of hope in the ongoing battle against air pollution and its adverse effects on public health and well-being.