Anti-smog combat: Ministers mull over artificial rain in Lahore

Punjab Environment Minister Bilal Afzal and Education Minister Mansoor Qadir chaired a meeting on steps to stem smog.

Officials and reps of authorities concerned showed up at the meeting that deliberated upon the steps to get rid of the pollution.

The participants of the meeting mulled over matters related to artificial rain. Bilal Afzal stressed that preparations should be made regarding artificial rain in Lahore city on November 28 or 29.

He added a working group should be formed for the purpose. The working group will also consult on the provision of aircraft for artificial rainfall

Mansoor Qadir stressed the recommendations of the working group will be sent to Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi to make the final decision.

The Punjab government yesterday announced the launch of anti-smog combat. “Educational institutions and government offices will be closed in Lahore on Saturdays while markets will open after 3 pm on Saturdays,” the chief minister told the media.

He added that air filter units will be installed at 12 places in Lahore and a high-powered environmental commission will the established to stem the smog.

Experts from Bahauddin Zakaria University of Multan and Punjab University are contacted for artificial rain while Chinese experts have been invited to Lahore for consultation, the chief minister maintained, adding that free registration of rickshaws will be done in 30 days and after that crackdown on unregistered rickshaws will begin.

An environmental lab will be established for the first time in Punjab while the police and transport department have been ordered to crack down on pumps selling substandard petrol, he stated.

Farmers will be given modern machinery to destroy crop residues and a team headed by the Chief Secretary will determine the modern machinery for the farmers, Mohsen Naqvi said, adding that modern machinery will be bought for farmers in collaboration with banks.