In a proactive measure to address the worsening smog in Lahore, the Punjab government has completed arrangements for artificial rain.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced that a coordinated effort is underway, involving key departments such as the Department of Environment, Army Aviation, Civil Aviation, PCSIR, and the Meteorological Department.
The minister explained that artificial rain will be deployed as needed, with financial resources already earmarked for its execution. The decision was made following directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who emphasized the importance of the Meteorological Department’s role in facilitating the artificial rain process.
Aurangzeb highlighted that each operation will incur costs ranging from Rs. 5 million to Rs. 7 million. She also pointed out that a crackdown on vehicles, factories, and other pollution sources is currently in progress, emphasizing that effective pollution control measures could lessen the reliance on artificial rain.
The artificial rain project will unfold in three phases: conducting a thorough climate analysis to assess moisture accumulation, installing advanced equipment for cloud seeding, and conducting practical tests to induce rainfall. The goal is to lower airborne pollutants, improve public health, and support agricultural productivity in the region.