Sat Nov 16 12:04:55 UTC 2024: ## Punjab Declares Smog a Health Crisis, Uses Artificial Rain to Combat Record Pollution

**Lahore, Pakistan – November 16, 2024** – Facing a record-breaking smog crisis that has hospitalized thousands and caused widespread respiratory illness, the Punjab government declared a health emergency today. The province has extended school closures for a second week in major cities, and deployed artificial rain in a desperate attempt to alleviate the hazardous air quality.

Millions of residents have reported breathing difficulties and other respiratory problems over the past month, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Multan exceeding 2,000 twice – a new record for air pollution. The provincial health department reports approximately two million cases of respiratory illnesses, asthma, chest infections, conjunctivitis and heart issues. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that these figures likely underrepresent the true impact, as many self-medicate rather than seek hospital care.

Today’s artificial rain initiative, a collaborative effort involving Pakistan’s scientific research and development experts, Army Aviation, PARCO and the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency, resulted in rainfall in Jhelum and Gujar Khan after cloud seeding. This marks the second such attempt, following a successful experiment in Lahore last December. The government hopes the rainfall will significantly reduce smog levels in Lahore and surrounding areas.

While the Punjab government has implemented various measures, including school closures, crackdowns on polluting vehicles, and restrictions on barbecues and recreational visits, these have proven insufficient to quell the crisis. Ms. Aurangzeb announced a 10-year smog mitigation plan to address the underlying causes, citing transportation, agriculture, energy consumption, and public behaviour as contributing factors. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz praised the team behind the artificial rain project, calling it a new chapter in Punjab’s history. The situation remains critical, highlighting the urgent need for long-term solutions to combat the severe air pollution plaguing the region.

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