In measures to curb smog in Lahore, an estimated Rs350 million has been set aside for artificial rain.
The summary sent by the Finance Secretary will require approval from the caretaker Chief Minister, revealed by the sources with knowledge of the matter.
According to Punjab’s Caretaker Information Minister Amir Mir, cloud seeding is the fastest artificial rain technology available.
He also informed that in this regard, China has been taken on board already and experts are scheduled to visit Pakistan soon as Punjab’s interim chief minister is attempting to test artificial rain this year.
It may be recalled that in a cabinet meeting chaired by caretaker chief minister Mohsin Naqvi, it was decided to ease the smog situation in the provincial capital artificial rain arrangements will be made.
The minister instructed the formation of a working group to supervise the initiative for artificial rain by Nov 28 or 29.
The downpours in Lahore on November 11 had given little relief from smog that gave the idea of artificial rain to the interim government.
The decision would produce positive consequences in Lahore where AQI touched 480, quite hazardous for residents health.
Artificial rain, also known as cloud seeding, is a weather modification technique that aims to increase precipitation from clouds by dispersing substances, typically silver or potassium iodide, into the air to provide a surface for water vapour to condense onto.
The increased condensation leads to the formation of larger water droplets that eventually fall as rain.
