Punjab Govt Plans Artificial Rain to Combat Severe Smog in Lahore

The Punjab government has recently unveiled plans to initiate artificial rain in Lahore as a countermeasure against the severe smog plaguing the city.

This initiative, which is scheduled for November 11^th  and 12^th,2024,  is a proactive measure to reduce hazardous air quality.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore has attained an alarming level of 509, with Gulberg recording an unprecedented 812 AQI, making it the most polluted area.

Shadman and Defence Phase V also reported extraordinarily high AQI readings of 736 and 712, respectively. Other areas that have been significantly impacted include Davis Road, Ghazi Road, and Ferozepur Road.

Addressing this crisis, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan urged the government to declare a “smog emergency” across the province.

“People are facing serious health issues due to the smog, which has disrupted educational and business activities,” he remarked during his statement. He underscored the necessity of stringent measures, urging the government to implement every feasible measure to mitigate the pollution menace.

Governor Khan also praised Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, acknowledging the provincial interim government’s efforts to tackle smog in 2023. “The credit goes to Mohsin Naqvi for the actions taken this year,” he added.

With the smog posing severe health risks, officials have emphasized that long-term commitment is necessary for effective mitigation.