Artificial Rain Carried Out In Several Cities Across Pakistan After AQI Crosses Hazardous Levels

Lahore: Pakistan 's Punjab government on Friday declared smog a “health crisis" and used artificial rain in several cities across province in an effort to combat its hazardous levels, as millions reported breathing problems and or respiratory issues over past month.

This is second time Punjab government went for artificial rain. In December last year, government h a successful cloud seeding experiment in Lahore.

" cloud seeding experiment conducted in Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, and Gujar Khan cities of Punjab resulted in rainfall in Jhelum and Gujar Khan on Friday," Punjab government said in a late night statement.

It said it held a successful trial of artificial rain using local technology. "Cloud seeding was carried out at 2pm Friday and within hours, it rained in Jhelum and Gujar Khan. re is also a strong likelihood of rainfall in Lahore after this experiment. artificial rainfall will significantly help reduce smog," it said.

Earlier in day, dressing a press conference here, senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said Punjab government has imposed a "health emergency" in Lahore and Multan districts to combat dense smog blanketing province of about 130 million population for last few weeks.

According to provincial health department, around two million cases of respiratory disease, besides complaints of asthma, chest infections, conjunctivitis and heart issues, have been reported in hospitals during last month.

Dense smog caused by toxic pollutants has engulfed several cities in Punjab with Lahore and Multan being worst hit.

AQI (air quality index) reing in Multan has alrey crossed 2,000 twice, setting a new record for air pollution.

Aurangzeb said hospital data did not give complete picture of verse health impacts caused by smog as it only included reported cases.

"Many people suffering from respiratory problems don’t visit hospitals to seek doctors’ vice and inste self-medicate at home or visit informal dispensaries," she said.

“At moment, smog crisis has turned into a health crisis. Various factors contributing to smog include transport, agriculture, energy, our habits, behaviour, and actions towards nature," she said, ding that Punjab government h me a 10-year smog mitigation plan to dress issue.

According to government, artificial rain project was a collaborative effort involving Pakistan’s scientific research and development experts (SPD), Army Aviation, PARCO and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Punjab government, culminating in successful artificial rain.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz congratulated all institutions and scientific experts involved in achievement.

"Today, dedication, hard work, and expertise have written a new chapter in history of Punjab. entire nation is proud of team," she said.

Lahore and some or cities of Punjab are facing worst pollution for last few weeks.

Punjab government has taken various measures, including shutting schools, cracking down on vehicles emitting excessive smoke, and prohibiting barbecues and visits to recreational places, to combat smog.

se measures have, however, proven insufficient to dress crisis. 

(Except heline, this story is not edited by Republic and is published from a syndicated feed)