Looming Artificial Rain to Tackle Smog Crisis in Lahore
Sabiha Rajpoot
Motorcyclists navigating through the rain-soaked streets of Karachi on September 20, 2023, marked a stark contrast to the impending weather phenomenon in Punjab's capital, Lahore. Chief Meteorologist Chaudhry Aslam shared on Tuesday that artificial rain is anticipated in Lahore next month, with ongoing preparations to mitigate the ever-growing smog crisis.
The government, recognizing the severity of the situation, is intensifying its efforts to combat the hazardous smog levels that have plagued the city.
As the smog continues to loom over Lahore, efforts to induce artificial rain are underway, presenting a glimmer of hope for the beleaguered residents. Despite the earnest preparations,
Chaudhry Aslam clarified that the artificial rain is not scheduled between November 28-29, leaving room for the government to explore alternative measures during this brief period.
Escalating Smog Woes and Government Countermeasures
The dire state of air quality in Lahore was underscored on Tuesday when the concentration of PM 2.5, a microscopic particulate matter, reached a staggering 237—a level deemed very unhealthy by Swiss-based IQ Air. Shockingly, the current PM2.5 concentration in Lahore is 37.4 times higher than the annual air quality guideline set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Faced with this alarming reality, the government has implemented various measures, including the temporary closure of schools, offices, and markets, to curb the smog menace.
Unveiling the Science Behind Artificial Rain
Chaudhry Aslam shed light on the process of inducing artificial rain, explaining that a "special spray" is applied to clouds, triggering a downpour that can last up to 45 minutes or even longer. Reflecting on past instances in 2001 and 2002, he recalled successful artificial rain episodes during both summer and winter, achieved through collaborative efforts with the Pakistan Army.
The prospect of artificial rain offers a ray of hope in the battle against smog, presenting a unique and potentially effective strategy to alleviate the environmental crisis.
