Punjab plans artificial rain in Rawalpindi to fight smog

The Punjab government has decided to test an artificial rain project in Rawalpindi in response to the worsening pollution and smog levels across the province.

Officials told local media that the trial won’t start until there is enough cloud cover in the area.

In order to supervise and carry out the project, teams from the environmental and other government departments have been sent to Rawalpindi.

The action is taken as severe air pollution affects Punjab’s major cities, notably Lahore.

Recently, Lahore was listed as one of the most polluted cities in the world, and Multan’s smog index also hit dangerously high levels.

Sections of the motorway were stopped by provincial authorities just yesterday because of poor visibility brought on by growing pollution.

According to reports, winds from neighbouring India have made matters worse in Lahore by causing smoke and particulate matter to spread farther into Pakistan.

Beyond Lahore, smog and fog are now making their way, with Rawalpindi and the neighbouring federal capital, Islamabad, reporting higher levels of haze.