Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister celebrated a noteworthy triumph on Sunday, subsequent to an innovative cloud seeding experiment carried out by the United Arab Emirates.
In an innovative attempt to address the extreme pollution that plagues Lahore, Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister celebrated a noteworthy triumph on Sunday, subsequent to an innovative cloud seeding experiment carried out by the United Arab Emirates.
The administration’s proactive approach aimed at reducing smog in the eastern city proved effective, leading to a significant improvement in air quality.
Despite the Air Quality Index (AQI) still categorizing Lahore’s environment as “unhealthy” post the artificially induced rain, the city witnessed a remarkable shift from the previous “hazardous” levels. Lahore, consistently ranked among the world’s most polluted cities in recent weeks, experienced mounting pressure on Naqvi’s interim Punjab administration to take decisive steps in addressing the escalating problem.
In a triumphant social media post, Chief Minister exclaimed, “Finally Below 200,” sharing a screenshot that showcased Lahore’s improved standing from the top of the list to the sixth position with an AQI of 189.
The AQI, which typically ranges from 0 to 500, saw lower values indicating better air quality. Lahore, which had been hovering around 300 points in recent weeks, witnessed a substantial drop in its AQI ranking, signifying a relative improvement in the air quality of one of the world’s most polluted cities.
During a news conference on Saturday, the interim chief minister acknowledged the temporary nature of this improvement and emphasized the crucial role of scientific research in identifying the root causes of Lahore’s persistent smog.
Despite a reduction in previously identified factors such as crop stubble burning and emissions from low-grade diesel, the smog issue continued to persist.
“We have already assigned a research team,” Chief Minister declared. “At present, we are blank [in terms of what is causing the smog].”
The successful cloud seeding experiment, orchestrated by the United Arab Emirates, has brought renewed hope for the beleaguered city. Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort, highlighting the need for ongoing international cooperation to address environmental challenges. The breakthrough comes at a crucial juncture, as Lahore grapples with its reputation as one of the world’s pollution hotspots.
As the city takes a collective sigh of relief, the focus now shifts towards sustained efforts to understand and combat the root causes of smog.
The interim Punjab administration remains committed to furthering scientific research, underlining the urgency of adopting long-term strategies to ensure a healthier and sustainable environment for Lahore’s residents. The successful intervention serves as a beacon of hope, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future for the historic city.