The Punjab province of Pakistan on Tuesday announced plans for artificial rain to help reduce the impact of smog , following an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 394 in Lahore.
This would mark the second time that Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, would carry out cloud seeding for artificial rain, being one of the cities to face the worst pollution regularly.
The cloud seeding was done for the first time in December 2023 to combat hazardous levels of smog and it cost an estimated Rs 350 million.
Lahore was declared the most polluted city in the world on Monday with an alarming AQI of 394.
The AQI measures the concentration of different pollutants in the air, with values above 100 classified as unhealthy and those above 150 considered "very unhealthy."
Addressing a press conference, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said, "Yesterday Lahore was declared the most polluted city in the world. We have taken a number of initiatives to address the matter and now we are planning for artificial rain in the city."
She, however, did not declare any date for it.
The Punjab government , led by Maryam Nawaz, has launched the 'Anti-Smog Squad' to monitor areas affected by smog as this hazardous pollution has caused significant health problems for city residents, including coughing, breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and skin infections.
These squads will be educating farmers about alternative methods for residue disposal, the hazards of burning crop residues and promoting the use of super seeders.
Smog is a specific phenomenon that arises from a mixture of smoke and fog, occurring when certain polluting microparticles combine with cold, moist air and linger near the ground. This results in reduced visibility and can lead to various health problems.
Previously, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had also called for "climate diplomacy" with India to mitigate smog impact in the province.
She said that stubble burning in Punjab, India also impacts across the border because of air direction and hence both sides should make joint efforts to combat smog.
"This issue needs to be taken up with India forthwith," she said.
"Obstacles to environmental improvement must be removed. Smog causes breathing difficulties and damages eyesight," the CM added.
Meteorology plays an important role in determining the level of air pollution in north Pakistan, just as it is a major factor in the neighbouring region of northwest India. After the rainy season crop is harvested, farmers from both sides tend to burn stubble adding to the existing causes of pollution caused due to industrial emissions and transport.
Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, the Environment Ministry said,"The positive effects of the measures taken to combat smog will become visible in 8 to 10 years. Environmental protection has been included as a subject in the curriculum in the province.”
She also urged the farmers to avoid burning the crop residues, as it harms not only the crops but also their children's health.
This would mark the second time that Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, would carry out cloud seeding for artificial rain, being one of the cities to face the worst pollution regularly.
The cloud seeding was done for the first time in December 2023 to combat hazardous levels of smog and it cost an estimated Rs 350 million.
Lahore was declared the most polluted city in the world on Monday with an alarming AQI of 394.
The AQI measures the concentration of different pollutants in the air, with values above 100 classified as unhealthy and those above 150 considered "very unhealthy."
Addressing a press conference, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said, "Yesterday Lahore was declared the most polluted city in the world. We have taken a number of initiatives to address the matter and now we are planning for artificial rain in the city."
She, however, did not declare any date for it.
The Punjab government , led by Maryam Nawaz, has launched the 'Anti-Smog Squad' to monitor areas affected by smog as this hazardous pollution has caused significant health problems for city residents, including coughing, breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and skin infections.
These squads will be educating farmers about alternative methods for residue disposal, the hazards of burning crop residues and promoting the use of super seeders.
Smog is a specific phenomenon that arises from a mixture of smoke and fog, occurring when certain polluting microparticles combine with cold, moist air and linger near the ground. This results in reduced visibility and can lead to various health problems.
Previously, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had also called for "climate diplomacy" with India to mitigate smog impact in the province.
She said that stubble burning in Punjab, India also impacts across the border because of air direction and hence both sides should make joint efforts to combat smog.
"This issue needs to be taken up with India forthwith," she said.
"Obstacles to environmental improvement must be removed. Smog causes breathing difficulties and damages eyesight," the CM added.
Meteorology plays an important role in determining the level of air pollution in north Pakistan, just as it is a major factor in the neighbouring region of northwest India. After the rainy season crop is harvested, farmers from both sides tend to burn stubble adding to the existing causes of pollution caused due to industrial emissions and transport.
Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, the Environment Ministry said,"The positive effects of the measures taken to combat smog will become visible in 8 to 10 years. Environmental protection has been included as a subject in the curriculum in the province.”
She also urged the farmers to avoid burning the crop residues, as it harms not only the crops but also their children's health.
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