In response to escalating smog levels across Punjab, the provincial government has announced plans to conduct artificial rain in Rawalpindi as a measure to combat air pollution.
This effort, however, will depend on favourable weather conditions, particularly the presence of clouds, to facilitate the artificial rainfall process.
Environmental and other key departments have already mobilised in Rawalpindi to assess and prepare for this operation.
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The smog crisis has reached alarming levels in various cities across Punjab, with Lahore—Punjab’s capital—consistently ranking among the most polluted cities globally.
The impact of air pollution has also been severe in Multan, where the air quality index recently hit hazardous levels, forcing authorities to close portions of the motorway due to reduced visibility.
Pollution from neighbouring India exacerbates Lahore’s air quality, with cross-border winds carrying additional pollutants into the region.
Meanwhile, the smog and fog situation has started affecting other areas, including Rawalpindi and Islamabad, where air quality continues to decline as winter approaches.
This initiative marks the Punjab government’s latest effort to address the pressing issue of smog, which poses serious health risks for residents.
Authorities are closely monitoring weather patterns to determine the feasibility of artificial rain, hoping it will bring some relief from the worsening air quality across the province.
