Pakistan has utilized artificial rain for the first time as a measure to address air pollution in Lahore, a city frequently ranked among the world’s most polluted areas. In response to the persistent air quality issues, planes equipped with cloud-seeding equipment were deployed over the city, aiming to induce rain and mitigate pollution.
Lahore has been grappling with severe air pollution, prompting various measures by the Punjab government, such as early business closures and school shutdowns. Despite these efforts, the pollution levels remained high, leading to the introduction of artificial rain as a novel solution.
The artificial rain was made possible through a “gift” from the UAE, which provided the necessary technology for cloud seeding. The process involved using 48 flares containing silver iodide, a yellowish salt. These flares were burned in clouds, along with acetone, to stimulate condensation and facilitate the formation of rain.
Cloud seeding, also referred to as artificial rain or blue-skying, has been employed by the UAE to induce rain in arid regions, including parts of Pakistan. The technique has been implemented in various countries, including the United States, China, and India, to address water scarcity and environmental challenges. The deployment of artificial rain in Lahore represents a unique attempt to combat air pollution and improve the overall air quality in the city.