For first time in country’s history, Punjab govt conducts artificial rain in Lahore

Lahore: The Punjab government successfully executed a cloud-seeding test to induce artificial rain, addressing the persistent issue of smog in the region.

Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, disclosed the accomplishment during an interaction with the media on Saturday.

Cloud seeding, a weather modification technique aimed at stimulating precipitation, involves introducing specific substances into clouds to enhance the formation of raindrops.

During a press briefing, Naqvi reported that the artificial rain experiment received support from the UAE, resulting in approximately 10% of Lahore experiencing rainfall. He detailed the deployment of 48 flares for cloud seeding during the initiative.

Stressing the commitment to the success of the artificial rain endeavor, Naqvi highlighted that monitoring and attention to the experiment began at 9:00 in the morning. He expressed gratitude to the Environment Department and the UAE team for their collaborative efforts.

Celebrating a groundbreaking moment in Lahore – the first-ever artificial rainfall to combat SMOG! Heartfelt thanks to the UAE government for their support, making our environment a priority without straining the Provincial exchequer. #ArtificialRain
#EnvironmentalInitiative…

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) December 16, 2023

Artificial rain, achieved by introducing substances into clouds that serve as cloud condensation or ice nuclei, facilitates the formation and growth of precipitation particles. Commonly used substances for cloud seeding include silver iodide, potassium iodide, and liquid propane.

Cloud seeding activities are typically carried out using aircraft, ground-based generators, or rockets. The effectiveness of artificial rain is contingent on factors such as cloud type, temperature, and atmospheric conditions. While some studies suggest that cloud seeding can enhance precipitation under specific conditions, ongoing research and debate surround its overall effectiveness and long-term environmental impact.