The government of Punjab, Pakistan, is set to implement artificial rain to tackle smog, according to state media reports citing a provincial minister. Winter air pollution in the region is largely driven by crop stubble burning and emissions from low-grade diesel, worsened by temperature inversions that trap pollutants close to the ground, leading to increased respiratory problems.
This year, a collaborative approach has been established involving the Punjab environment department, army and civil aviation, the meteorological department, and the Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR). Punjab Environment Protection and Climate Change Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that artificial rain will be deployed as needed, costing between 5 to 7 million rupees (up to $25,290) per instance.
The smog season peaks from October to February, with Lahore and New Delhi often listed among the world’s most polluted cities. Rising pollution levels can reduce life expectancy in South Asia by over five years per person, according to a recent report.
In previous years, the Punjab government has taken various steps to mitigate the smog crisis, including cracking down on brick kilns and closing schools. Aurangzeb noted that efforts against smoke-emitting vehicles and factories would persist and encouraged citizens to report crop residue burning and excessive smoke to the 1373 helpline.
