In a pioneering move, Pakistan has employed artificial rain to combat the alarming levels of smog in Lahore, marking the first-ever experiment of its kind in the South Asian nation. The provincial government revealed that planes equipped with cloud-seeding equipment were deployed over 10 areas in the city, aiming to alleviate the hazardous air pollution crisis.
The “gift” of artificial rain was provided by the United Arab Emirates, according to Punjab’s caretaker chief minister, Mohsin Naqvi. A team from the UAE, along with two planes, arrived in Lahore about 10 to 12 days ago and utilized 48 flares to induce the rain. The effectiveness of this novel approach is yet to be determined, Naqvi added.
Cloud seeding involves releasing common salt—a mixture of different salts—into clouds to encourage condensation and form rain. The UAE has successfully employed this method in its arid regions, and similar techniques have been utilized in various countries, including the United States and China.
The worsening air pollution in Pakistan, attributed to low-grade diesel fumes and seasonal crop burn-off, has become a growing concern. Lahore, in particular, has been identified as one of the worst places globally for air pollution. During the winter season, more than 11 million residents in the city are affected by toxic smog. The levels of PM2.5 pollutants measured in Lahore exceeded the World Health Organization’s danger limits by more than 66 times.
Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such polluted air can trigger severe health issues, including strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases. Lahore has previously implemented various measures to curb air pollution, such as spraying water on roads and instituting weekend shutdowns of schools, factories, and markets.
