Chief Meteorologist Chaudhry Aslam made an announcement on Tuesday revealing plans to induce artificial rain in Lahore, the capital of Punjab, as a measure to address the persistent smog issue. The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to combat hazardous air quality levels in the region. However, Aslam clarified that the artificial rain is not scheduled to take place on November 28-29.
The decision to explore artificial rain stems from the alarming concentration of PM 2.5, a type of particulate matter, in the air, reaching unhealthy levels. In response to the escalating smog conditions, the government has implemented various measures, including the temporary closure of schools, offices, and markets. Additionally, the mandatory use of masks has been enforced as part of the strategy to protect citizens from the adverse health effects of air pollution.
Chaudhry Aslam detailed the process of inducing artificial rain, explaining that a special spray is employed on clouds, resulting in a downpour that lasts approximately 45 minutes or longer. This technique is intended to mitigate the impact of smog by clearing pollutants from the air. The announcement also referenced historical instances of artificial rain in 2001 and 2002, during which the Pakistan Army played a crucial role in cloud spraying.
The government of Punjab is actively taking steps to address the smog crisis in Lahore, with artificial rain emerging as a novel approach to alleviate air quality concerns. The success of this method will likely depend on various factors, including weather conditions and the effectiveness of the cloud-spraying technique.
