In a groundbreaking initiative to combat hazardous smog levels in Lahore, teams from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) joined forces with Pakistan, introducing artificial rain through cloud seeding for the first time in the South Asian country. The move comes as Lahore consistently ranks among the worst places globally for air pollution.
The UAE, known for its expertise in cloud seeding, provided crucial support with two planes equipped with cloud seeding equipment. The initiative, described as a “gift” by Mohsin Naqvi, the caretaker chief minister of Punjab, saw the planes flying over 10 areas of Lahore in a bid to alleviate the smog crisis.
“Teams from the UAE, along with two planes, arrived here about 10 to 12 days ago. They used 48 flares to create the rain,” stated Mohsin Naqvi during a media briefing.
The weather modification technique involves the release of common salt or a mixture of different salts into clouds. This process encourages condensation, leading to the formation of rain. The use of cloud seeding for artificial rain has been increasingly employed by the UAE in its arid regions.
Experts highlight the significance of even modest rainfall in reducing pollution levels. The caretaker chief minister expressed optimism about the outcome, stating that the team would assess the impact of the artificial rain by Saturday night.
Cloud seeding has been successfully utilized in various countries, including the United States, China, and India. The collaboration between the UAE and Pakistan marks a unique and proactive effort to address the pressing issue of air pollution in L
