Artificial rain planned for next week

Experts predict favourable weather conditions as smog continues to choke city

LAHORE:

Environmentalists have suggested that there would be favourable conditions for inducing artificial rain in Lahore during next week.

Punjab government had sought advice from experts to finalise a comprehensive plan for artificial rain to counter smog.

According to sources, experts of geography, chemistry and environment shared suggestions for the initiative in a meeting presided over by Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman.

Under the proposed plan, salt will be sprayed on clouds from a plane whenever the weather in Lahore would be cloudy.

Officials from several government departments were invited to the meeting to discuss the strategy.

The university professors who had already done experiments and preparations for the purpose were also invited.Punjab University Geography Department Chairman Dr Munawar Sabir and professors from the Islamia and Bahauddin Zakria University discussed how artificial rain could be successfully caused.

A participant told The Express Tribune that all experts and officials present in the meeting were satisfied that the experiment of artificial rain would be successful.

"The most positive thing was the commitment and seriousness of all the government officials who in the past had not taken seriously the proposal of artificial rain. It appears that the experiment will be successful," the sources said.

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They said the government intended to involve all the experts during the process.

However, the crucial factor is the weather conditions on the particular day. Weather conditions ideal for artificial rain are not expected during the ongoing week.

The government hopes to call the weather and other experts next week for the purpose.

"If we succeed and rain for only half an hour is triggered in the city, it can give us relief from the toxic smog," said the participant of the meeting.

In absence of rain, the smog and air pollution level in the city is likely to worsen.

The smog has already expanded to several other districts.

The high density of smog in various parts of the city has also lead to an increase in the number of citizens visiting hospitals for treatment of diseases caused by air pollution in Lahore and other cities.

The citizens are at a high risk of exposure to smog on the roads and in markets.

Lahore and New Delhi are currently among the most polluted cities in the world.

The Indian government is also reportedly planning to try artificial rain in the smog-hit cities, including New Delhi.

The provincial government has been struggling hard to curb smog with measures including smart lockdown and making wearing facemask compulsory for the residents of 10 affected districts.

An air pollution level deemed unhealthy was recorded in Lahore on Wednesday.

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"AQI level of 257 was recorded at the Town Hall, 232 in Shadman, 197 at the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department of Punjab University and 190 AQI in Rawalpindi," said an official of the environment protection department.

Artificial rain, also known as cloud seeding, is a weather modification technique that aims to stimulate precipitation. This is done by introducing different substances into clouds that further promote the formation of raindrops.

Punjab University Geography Department Chairman Dr Munawar Sabir had begun work three years ago on artificial rain to curb smog. He also did an experiment of the technology in the Khanspur hills.

The Islamia University of Bahawalpur had also launched a department and team to work on the plan meant to improve the environment as well as to convert the Cholistan desert into fertile land.

Action is under way against polluting factories, those who burn crop residue and smoke-emitting vehicles. In related development, the Lahore High Court heard applications filed for the removal of smog from the city. The lawyer representing the provincial government informed the court about recommended measures chalked out by the interim set-up including shutting down of gyms and early closure of restaurants.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2023.