No quick fix to smog: experts

Some meteorologists say artificial rains not viable in current season

LAHORE:

Life in various parts of Punjab particularly in its capital, Lahore, has been severely affected by smog. However, some experts believe that an artificial rain will be of little help in this season while installation of air purification towers will also not be economically viable.

The provincial government had planned to use artificial rain to control smog but has not yet implemented it. Some meteorologists have noted that to trigger artificial rain, cloud cover should be at least 50%. However, there are currently very few clouds over Punjab.

An environmental expert from the Punjab University, Dr Zulfiqar Ali, said in order to trigger artificial rain, there must be clouds in the atmosphere. He said the problem of smog right now cannot be resolved through such rains at present.

He said the government tried to use artificial rains to counter smog the previous year but the attempt did not yield the desired results as there was a mild drizzling only in some areas.

"Moreover, in order to bring about artificial rains, we have to sprinkle a chemical on clouds. This chemical also affects the environment and biodiversity," he said.

Dr Ali said it will also not be possible for the provincial government to install air purification towers like China as these towers are very costly. "I don't believe the province or the country can afford such a costly project in the existing economic situation," he added.

Asian Consulting Engineers' chief and environmental expert Aleem Butt said mist canons can be used to mitigate the intensity of smog. He said such canons are being used in China and India.

He said these cannons can spray water up to 40-50 feet, and deploying them along major roads could help reduce vehicle emissions.

"During this season, wind speeds are low, and particles like dust and other pollutants remain close to the ground. Combining with fog and humidity, they create smog. The mist cannons could help dissolve this smog layer," he said.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has instructed all districts in the province to install air purifiers to combat smog. A notification from the EPA has mandated that all shopping malls and commercial plazas install a sufficient number of air purifiers to ensure clean air for visitors.