Artificial Rain Lahore Battle Against Pollution
Yet again Lahore has reflected under this thick blanket of smog. The city recently became the world’s most polluted city. It’s more than just an environmental concern; the worsening air quality. It is right here, touching lives directly. It’s causing people to have respiratory problems. Visits have increased to the hospital. Life has come to an end.
In response, Pakistan has turned to an unusual solution: artificial rain. Authorities are trying artificial rain for the second time to lessen the hazardous air choking the city. It is an unusual step, but in the short term it could bring respite to millions of people.
Artificial rain is a simple concept. Cloud seeding is induced rainfall. They way this works is that chemicals such as silver iodide or potassium iodide are put in clouds to stimulate rain. It’s not new technology. In fact, several countries have employed cloud seeding to remove droughts and fight wildfire.
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In Lahore, hope the rain can wash away the pollutants which have hung in the air. That could improve air quality in the short term. That artificial rain isn’t a magic bullet for ending smog. However, these are considered an immediate response to pollution, a practical measure.
Last time that became similar in Lahore, Pakistan did cloud seeding and it wasn’t that good. A welcome if brief shower was enjoyed in some parts. However, experts said cloud seeding only works under certain conditions. But there is no guarantee then that it will bring rain on demand.
Read more: Lahore Experiences Record-Breaking Rainfall
But many environmentalists say any effort to reduce pollution is worth a try, even though the efforts may be futile. It cannot be ignored that the immediate threat to public health is there. Smog has risen as hospital admissions for asthma, heart conditions and other respiratory problems have soared.
Artificial rain, the critics say, is at best a temporary solution. The problem of Lahore’s pollution is serious. It’s linked to urban congestion, unchecked industrial emissions and use of low quality fuels. Such issues require long term policy changes, strict regulations, and public behavior of moving to more sustainable processes.
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Still, relief, even temporary, is a step in the right direction for a city experiencing moments like it’s drowning. If Lahore carries out another round of cloud seeding, it will be watched very closely. By residents and climate experts all around the world.
Artificial rain is no permanent solution. That is why it reminds us that in urgent crises one might need innovative solutions. The best thing for residents to do might be to stay informed, support the work for clean energy and whenever possible to live greener lives. Long term solutions will always be from everyone doing their part and not quick fixes.
Read more: Dastak Programme: Punjab’s Initiative to Deliver Civic Services at Doorsteps
For more context on innovative water management efforts, you can explore how the UAE is tackling similar challenges with initiatives like artificial rain and water conservation through canals and dams. Check out this insightful article on Harnessing Rain in the UAE: Water Conservation through Canals and Dams.
References:
- Times of India. Pakistan plans artificial rain for the second time after Lahore declared world’s most polluted. Times of India, February 2024.
- Khan, Ayesha. Lahore’s Fight Against Pollution with Artificial Rain. The News International, February 2024.
- Dawn News. Cloud Seeding: A Temporary Fix for Lahore’s Pollution Woes. Dawn News, February 2024.
- Environmental Protection Department Punjab. Air Quality Crisis in Lahore and Measures Taken. Government of Punjab, 2024.
