China and Pakistan are collaborating to tackle the hazardous smog and air pollution threatening the lives of over 100 million residents in Punjab province. Three areas have been identified for China-Pakistan partnership to help Punjab address the dangerous atmospheric toxicity that has enveloped many districts over the last two months, Gwadar Pro reported on Sunday.
One area of cooperation is conducting artificial rain in smog-affected localities. A Punjab government official told Gwadar Pro that cloud seeding is the most effective method for inducing artificial rain, adding that arrangements with Chinese experts have been finalised. “Chinese experts will soon visit Pakistan,” he added. Artificial rain, or cloud seeding, is a weather modification technique involving the dispersion of chemicals into clouds from an aircraft to encourage precipitation.
It is used to induce rainfall in drought-stricken or pollution-laden areas. The second area of collaboration involves using Chinese anti-smog technology by installing smog towers in Lahore and other parts of the province. Progress was made following a successful meeting between Punjab CM Mohsin Naqvi and Chinese Consul General Lahore Zhao Shiren.
According to the Chinese Consul General, good air quality is essential for the people of Lahore. The Chinese Consulate Lahore has provided comprehensive documents regarding smog-eating towers built in China to the Chief Minister Office Task Force Smog. “We have collected all the required data and information by establishing a connection with relevant authorities in China,” said an official from the Chinese Consulate Lahore. “If the CM office needs further help, we will surely provide it,” he added. An official from the CM Secretariat stated that amidst Punjab’s unhealthy air quality, Chinese smog towers seem to offer a solution to the pollution crisis.
