Air pollution increases due to winter exhaust fumes and crop incineration.
Spreading artificial rain seeds with support from the United Arab Emirates
Showers fell in at least 10 areas… Need to watch more
The Pakistani government implemented Pakistan’s first artificial rainfall in the Lahore area to resolve air pollution in Lahore, the capital of the northeastern province of Punjab and ‘Pakistan’s second city’.
Local media such as the Times of India and Business Standard reported on the 16th (local time) that the Pakistani government implemented artificial rainfall in Lahore, ‘the city with the most severe air pollution in the world’, and that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provided specialized personnel and aircraft. It was reported that support was provided.
Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi said, “We have successfully implemented artificial rainfall in 10 areas where rainfall is insufficient in Lahore.” Authorities reported that light showers were observed in approximately 10% of Lahore, within a radius of 15 km, after the implementation of artificial rainfall, and that they are taking time to determine whether it is effective.
Prime Minister Mohsin said, “Pakistan has not spent a single penny. “We are ready to do anything to clean up air pollution,” he said, thanking the UAE for supporting artificial rain.
Artificial rain is a technology that induces rain by scattering seeds (artificial rain materials) into clouds. At least 48 artificial rainfall seeds were launched to create artificial rainfall in the Lahore region.
Lahore’s air pollution has been worsening for several years. In particular, the situation has become more serious in the winter as a large amount of pollutants are generated due to the incineration of crop residues left after the fall harvest and the use of low-grade diesel fuel.
Last November, toxic smog caused tens of thousands of patients in Lahore, and authorities closed schools, markets, and parks for four days. At that time, the concentration of fine dust in the air in Lahore was close to 450.
Fine dust and ultrafine dust with a size of 2.5 micrometers (㎛) or less can affect the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, cancer incidence, fetal health, etc., and narrow the visibility distance and cause confusion. Korea defines a fine dust concentration of 150 or higher as very bad and recommends refraining from outdoor activities.
Lahore was famous as the ‘Garden City’ between the 16th and 19th centuries. Nowadays, due to urbanization and rapid population growth, green spaces can no longer be found.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.