Despite severe smog in Lahore there is no sight of artificial rain due to the lack of agreement between the World Bank and the Punjab’s interim government.
The caretaker government, on November 17, had decided to tackle smog with artificial rain but in a recent talk with the media, Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman informed that World Bank officials do not agree with the artificial rain plan.
“We [government] and World Bank are working together to address the issues of smog and environmental pollution,” he said.
He added that the government decided to bring electric buses in replacement of Qingqi rickshaws to overcome the issue of smog.
“The government is importing 30 electric buses—electric buses provide smoke-free travel— after that Qingqi will be banned in the city, “ he said.
He also shared the hurdles faced by the government to counter the pollution in the city: “Smog testing equipment is not satisfactory and concern departments have discrepancy data related to smog.”
He added that a study has been started with the World Bank to eliminate smog.
However, the minister had instructed the formation of a working group to supervise the initiative for artificial rain by Nov 28 or 29.
