'First successful experiment' of artificial rain in Lahore:
cloud seeding, a process in which salt is sprinkled on clouds
'First successful experiment' of artificial rain in Lahore: cloud seeding, a process in which salt is sprinkled on clouds
According to the Punjab government, with the support of the United Arab Emirates, the first experiment of artificial rain in Pakistan has been successful in Lahore.
In a press conference last night, Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi said that this was a gift to us from the United Arab Emirates. Their two special planes had arrived 10, 12 days ago, 48 flares were fired in the first flight.
Mohsin Naqvi denied the reports which claimed that Rs 35 crore was spent on artificial rain in Lahore.
He said that the news of 35 crores was fake. We did not spend anything except sprinkling water. Even if I had to spend, I would because people's lives are more important.
However, he said that this does not mean that it will get rid of smog. "It was meant to settle down the smog with the rain, which has an effect for five, seven days."
Air pollution has increased significantly in Pakistan over the years. Lahore's population of over one crore is badly affected by the toxic smog during winter.
This has led to an increase in polluted micro-particles such as PM 2.5 which enter the blood from the lungs and cause cancer. In Lahore on Saturday, its level was recorded above the World Health Organization's danger limit of 66 sin.
According to Air Now, an American air pollution measurement website, Lahore currently has an air quality index of 306, which can have serious health effects.
"It rained in 10 areas of Lahore"
Mohsin Naqvi said during his press conference that the UAE team had been waiting for suitable conditions for this test for several days.
He said that not a single cloud was visible for 10, 12 days. Even this morning Lahore was the most polluted city in the world, it was not an easy experience. We were supported by the UAE government, the President of the UAE, the federal government and institutions. And after that it became possible.
He said that from this experience, rain has fallen in 10 areas near Lahore. There is light rain. Its effects will come soon. It has rained in most places in Lahore.
This was Pakistan's first experiment, it has been successful. The UAE team planned one thing. Its result has come today. The federal government is also working on this technology. These people often do this in Dubai, there are thousands of missions in their country every year.
