LAHORE- The Punjab government is considering a novel approach to tackle Lahore’s severe smog levels. In a recent development, officials revealed plans to explore the use of “artificial rain” by the end of this month. This technique, known as cloud seeding, aims to stimulate rain by dispersing specific substances into the clouds, encouraging water vapor to condense and eventually fall as raindrops.
Bilal Iqbal, Punjab’s interim Environment Minister, chaired a meeting to discuss this innovative strategy, prompted by Lahore’s alarming return to the top of the global pollution chart. Residents endured unhealthy air throughout the day, prompting urgent action.
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The provincial ministry disclosed that a consultation meeting was held to evaluate the feasibility of artificial rain. The minister directed the formation of a dedicated team to oversee this initiative, focusing on deploying aircraft and ensuring adequate cloud presence for its success by late November.
Mansoor Qadir, Caretaker Education Minister, emphasized the meticulous analysis by the team, whose recommendations will be forwarded to the chief minister for approval. Notably, Indian scientists also recently attempted cloud seeding to address smog concerns in New Delhi.
How is Artificial Rain Achieved? Cloud seeding, a form of weather modification, involves attempting to alter the amount or type of precipitation from clouds by dispersing substances that serve as cloud condensation or ice nuclei. This process, commonly practiced in China to combat high air pollution, aims to mitigate health risks posed by dangerous pollution levels.
