Heavy downpours in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Thursday not only made the weather pleasant but also significantly reduced the air pollution index.
Following the downpour, the air quality index in Islamabad decreased from 110 to 70 levels while Rawalpindi recorded a reduction to 68. In other districts of Rawalpindi division, the air pollution index measured 119 in Jhelum, 115 in Attock and 116 in Chakwal. The air pollution index in Murree stood at 97.
Due to the rain, the water level in the three dams Rawal Dam, Khanpur Dam and Simli Dam which supply water to Rawalpindi and Islamabad has also started increasing. The catchment areas of all three dams are full of water. There was a low flood water level in the Nullah Leh due to the overnight rain, which cleared the Nullah Leh.
The wheat crop in the region benefited from the rain, with improvements observed in seasonal vegetable cultivation as well.
Rawalpindi Agriculture Department’s spokesperson Haroon Ahmed said that the wheat crop has improved due to the three rains last month in Rawalpindi Division. Rawalpindi is likely to have a bumper crop of wheat this year.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 23rd, 2024.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ