On Friday, the Punjab government successfully conducted a trial of a local artificial rain technology, aimed at mitigating the severe smog that has been choking the region. Following the cloud seeding operation, rainfall was observed in Jhelum and Gujar Khan, just hours after the procedure was carried out in various areas including Chakwal and Talagang.
The initiative was a collaborative effort between the Punjab government, Pakistan Army’s Scientific Research and Development experts, Army Aviation, Pak Arab Refinery Limited (PARCO), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These institutions pooled their local expertise and advanced technology to successfully execute the experiment, marking a significant step towards addressing the region’s worsening air quality.
Tackling Smog in Punjab
The artificial rain is seen as a potential solution to the toxic smog that has engulfed major cities like Lahore and Multan, drastically reducing visibility and posing a serious health risk to residents. The region has been experiencing hazardous levels of air pollution, prompting the closure of educational institutions and the imposition of restrictions on various activities. The air quality in Lahore, often ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, reached alarming levels this month, with Punjab’s AQI topping global pollution charts.
The provincial government has been grappling with the seasonal challenge of air pollution exacerbated by factors such as smoke from illegal crop burning, industrial emissions, and the weather conditions that trap pollutants in the air. With the onset of winter, cold air has trapped dust and smoke, intensifying the smog, particularly in densely populated areas.
Prayers and Public Health Measures
In response to the growing crisis, Punjab declared a health emergency on Friday. Authorities banned construction activities, closed schools for an additional week, and moved universities to online classes to reduce exposure to hazardous air. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims participated in Namaz-e-Istisqa, a prayer for rain, hoping for divine intervention to end the dry spell and alleviate the smog’s impact on public health.
Government Actions and Regional Cooperation
As part of smog-reduction efforts, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced that construction, brick kilns, and furnace-based plants in Lahore and Multan would be shut down. The government has also indicated the possibility of implementing a complete lockdown for three days next Friday if the situation does not improve.
While Punjab is taking aggressive steps to combat air pollution, neighboring India is facing similar challenges. New Delhi, often ranked as the world’s most polluted capital, has also imposed restrictions, such as halting non-essential construction, moving children to virtual classrooms, and advising residents to avoid burning coal and wood.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif praised the success of the artificial rain experiment, expressing confidence that it would pave the way for further technological advancements to address weather-related issues and improve public health.
