Punjab bets Rs350m on clear skies

LAHORE:

In a move to combat the pressing issue of smog in Lahore, the Punjab government is poised to leverage China's extensive expertise in artificial rain with a substantial budget of Rs350 million for this ground-breaking initiative.

The Express Tribune has learnt that the government, dissatisfied with the local experts' experience, is contemplating the involvement of Chinese specialists.

The plan envisions China's experts arriving in Lahore next week for the implementation of artificial rain techniques.

During an initial meeting, it was observed that local experts lack relevant experience, prompting the government to explore the proven capabilities of Chinese experts with 15 years of artificial rain practice.

The Punjab government has earmarked an estimated Rs350 million for the artificial rain initiative, and a proposal has been forwarded to the finance department for approval.

The commitment to artificial rain remains a priority for the Punjab government, with on-going planning and recent developments focusing on inviting Chinese experts.

A summary of the estimated Rs350 million required for the project has been submitted to the finance department, awaiting approval following Punjab chief minister’s recommendation.

Read Artificial rain planned for next week

Earlier this week, a meeting of local experts convened under the guidance of Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman. The local experts had provided a cost estimate of Rs2 million for the artificial rain initiative. However, the government decided to extend an invitation to China's experts engaged in artificial rain experiments.

This collaborative effort aims to conduct Lahore's first artificial rain experience through cloud seeding.

"The role of environmentalists, meteorology department experts, and existing team members is crucial. However, the fact remains that our local experts lack such specific experience. It has been decided to invite China's experts, who will conduct the inaugural artificial rain experiment in Lahore through cloud seeding," stated an official from the Punjab Environment Protection Department.

The specific day for initiating artificial rain will be decided upon approval from both foreign and local experts. Cloud parameters in the sky are crucial for the success of artificial rain, with experts recommending the release of salts from a height of 5,000 square feet.

Pertinently, the Punjab government is intensifying efforts to counter smog, with artificial rain emerging as a significant component.

Read more Punjab schools to remain closed on Friday, Saturday

In addition to this, the government has implemented a mandatory mask-wearing policy in ten districts. Today, educational institutions were closed in 25 districts of Punjab in response to the alarming air pollution and smog levels in Lahore and other densely populated districts.

Environment Protection Department Deputy Director Farooq Alam reported distressing Air Quality Index (AQI) figures in various parts of the metropolis.

The College of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Punjab University recorded 286 AQI, with the Town Hall of Lahore reaching the highest at 353 AQI. Shadman area near Lahore College for Women University registered 336 AQI, and Shally Valley Range Rawalpindi recorded 180 AQI.

Local hospitals are grappling with a surge in smog-related diseases, with a substantial influx of patients, including children and senior citizens.

Cases of chest infections, eye irritations, coughs, and skin diseases are on the rise, reflecting the critical health situation in the region.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 25^th, 2023.