Twin Cities are suspending their cloud seeding plans

RAWALPINDI:

Authorities have suspended cloud seeding-induced artificial rainfall to combat toxic smog in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad after technical problems.

The authority responsible for cloud seeding did not grant permission, and the clouds that formed in Rawalpindi were also found not suitable for cloud seeding.

Following a denial by the Aviation and Meteorological Department, the Environment Protection Department (EPD) and the Punjab government have reversed the decision to make artificial rain in the twin cities.

Artificial rain is produced by the cloud seeding technique. For this purpose, sodium chloride, silver iodide and other chemicals are sprayed onto the clouds from a height of two to four thousand feet by special aircraft that form ice crystals in the clouds and make the clouds heavier. After the process it starts to rain. Land-based missiles or special devices can also be used instead of aircraft.

Artificial rain does not fall from all types of clouds and in all seasons; it requires a special environment. According to experts, artificial rain can be experienced in three out of ten types of clouds.

Clouds with layers 2,000 to 3,000 meters thick are suitable for artificial rain. It is also necessary that the humidity is 70 to 75% and the wind speed is 30 to 50 km per hour.

The twin cities do have clouds, but they do not meet the requirements and conditions of cloud seeding and the competent authority did not agree with this.

Sources in the EPD confirmed that if the clouds and accessories are met as per requirements, artificial rain may be decided later. This rainfall can occur in any area or district from Rawalpindi to Lahore.

The cost of artificial rainfall using this method could go up to Rs250 to Rs300 million, she added.