Punjab Creates Artificial Rain with Homegrown Tech

The government of Punjab, Pakistan, has claimed to have successfully produced artificial rain in several cities using locally developed technology.

Many areas in Punjab, especially the capital city Lahore, have been engulfed in severe smog for weeks, prompting the government to impose a “green lockdown” in the region.

In light of worsening smog conditions, a health emergency has been declared in Lahore and Multan.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore, Multan, and other cities in Punjab exceeded 1000 multiple times this month.

To put this into perspective, an AQI reading above 300 indicates a hazardous environment, posing significant health risks to both humans and wildlife.

Pakistani authorities are making concerted efforts to address this environmental crisis.

Various measures have been implemented over the past two weeks, including school closures, remote work directives for employees, and public advisories to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.

The Punjab Ministry of Environment has reported that the first experiment of artificial rain was conducted through cloud seeding in Jhelum, Gujar Khan, Chakwal, and Talagang using locally developed technology.

This resulted in a few hours of rainfall in Jhelum and Gujar Khan.

What Is Cloud Seeding?

Cloud seeding is a technique used to accelerate the conversion of cloud vapor into rain by introducing materials, such as salt, to the atmosphere. This process induces artificial changes in weather patterns.

Initially, this experiment was planned for Lahore, but the clouds there were not suitable for artificial rain. Therefore, the focus shifted to Jhelum and Gujar Khan based on the cloud conditions in those areas.

It is claimed that the effects of cloud seeding in other regions are likely to bring rainfall to Lahore as well, potentially helping to reduce smog levels significantly.

The Punjab Environment Department stated that the artificial rain experiment was carried out with the collaboration of several organizations, including the Strategic Plans Division (SPD) of the Pakistan Army, Army Aviation, SUPARCO, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).