A task force has been set up to execute the artificial rain initiative in Lahore. This decision was made during a meeting at the Civil Secretariat led by the Chief Secretary Punjab. The group includes representatives from various federal and provincial departments, along with military institutions focused on research. The Department of Environmental Protection provided insights into cloud seeding and ionization techniques for generating artificial rain. Progress on installing Smog Reduction Towers in Lahore was also assessed.
The first cloud seeding trial is slated within 4 to 6 weeks, contingent upon weather conditions and cloud formations critical for chemical processes carried out via aircraft. Final stages of negotiation are underway for an agreement with a Dubai-based company for cloud integration. Over the next six weeks, cloud ionization will be tested at selected spots in Lahore using systems from the same Dubai company. A team of experts plans to travel to China soon to set up smog reduction towers in the city. Additionally, a monitoring unit within the Environment Protection Department will oversee these projects.
Lahore is grappling with severe air pollution, ranking highest globally in this regard. The city recorded an Air Quality Index of 436.