Lahore: Minister for Environment Bilal Ashraf has said that a decision has been made to counter smog with artificial rainfall, as the smoke from burning crops in India comes here. We will ask India to take measures against smog.
Speaking on Express News program ‘Center Stage’, he said that a decision has been made to bring artificial rain to counter smog, and we are formulating a plan to control the deteriorating situation due to smog in Lahore through artificial rain on 28th and 29th January. It is expected that there will be cloudy weather in Lahore on 28th and 29th November and it’s possible for rain to occur if salt is sprayed on these clouds through airplanes.
He said that they have consulted experts from Punjab University regarding artificial rain and they will recommend a plan. The rainfall in the past few days reduced smog to some extent.
The Minister for Environment said that the farmers in India who burn their crops increase the smog situation here, as the wind brings it to Lahore. Even though we control everything on our side, the problem is that the area of India near us is the rice belt. India will have to take measures in this regard so that our air can be clean, so that the burning of crops becomes unnecessary.
The Minister of Environment said that we will use diplomatic channels regarding the issue of smog, and we will request the Prime Minister of Pakistan to inform India in writing about the issue.
He said that this has become a national and international issue, our air is polluted, and long-term policies need to be made to address this issue.