The government of Pakistan is planning to use cloud seeding technology to generate artificial rainfall in parts of Sindh suffering from an intense heatwave. All arrangements for the project has already been made, but the final decision will be taken after the consensus of all stakeholders involved in the project. The discussion meeting was attended by representatives of Civil aviation, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, maritime agency, meteorological department, business community and Karachi commissioner.
The basic concept of cloud seeding technology is that rain is generated by firing a rocket propelled by sugar at the clouds. Many neighbouring countries are already using this technology and has even devoted research efforts to this area. The process is costly and may result in unforeseen environmental effects.
If government goes through the project, then this technology can help acquire 60 to 65 mm of rain from clouds which are about 2,500 to 3,000 feet above the ground whereas Sindh gets only 176 mm of rain in the whole year.
Director General Ports and Shipping, Abdul Malik Ghauri, said the project if approved, can not be kicked off before July 1st due to some technical reasons. Furthermore, Pakistan Aviation will assist in bringing shape to the idea.
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Source: Express Tribune
