LAHORE – The Punjab government is considering the option of artificial rain to reduce the concentration of smog in the provincial metropolis.
“Artificial rain is being considered as an option”, said senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
As per a handout issued on Tuesday, she stated that various measures have been taken to control ever-increasing pollution including shutting down brick kilns not using zigzag technology, sprinkling water on roads and markets, and deploying environmental officers for field operations.
Senior minister emphasized avoiding crop residue burning, as such practices would further aggravate the smog situation. She said that citizens could report any violations through Helpline 1373 or the Green App.
The government’s Monitoring and Control Centre is closely assessing the levels of smog, she said while urging public to take safety measures like wearing masks while going outdoors.
Experts have warned that the Air Quality Index of Lahore could rise to 600-700 over the next three days due to wind speed and direction. Winds blowing at four kilometer per hour speed will bring pollution from India which will further deteriorate Lahore’s air quality from November 6 to November 8.
Punjab sets up ‘Smog War Room’ as Lahore’s average AQI reaches 309
