Punjab to trial artificial rain in Rawalpindi to tackle growing smog crisis

Published at: November 11, 2024 5:35 AM

Updated at: November 18, 2024 5:26 PM

As smog levels continue to worsen across Punjab, the provincial government has announced plans to pilot an artificial rain project in Rawalpindi. The trial will take place only if the area has adequate cloud cover, officials informed local media.

Following the decision, environmental and relevant government departments have deployed teams to Rawalpindi to oversee and implement the artificial rain project.

This initiative comes as Punjab's major cities, including Lahore, continue to struggle with severe air pollution. Lahore was recently ranked among the world's most polluted cities, and the smog index in Multan has also reached hazardous levels.

Just yesterday, provincial authorities closed parts of the motorway due to poor visibility caused by the worsening smog.

Winds from neighboring India are reportedly exacerbating the situation in Lahore, pushing smoke and particulate matter further into Pakistan. The smog is now spreading beyond Lahore, with increased haze observed in Rawalpindi and the nearby federal capital, Islamabad.