LAHORE; In a major development to fight air pollution, Punjab has successfully conducted its first-ever trial of anti-smog guns, significantly improving air quality in Lahore’s Kahna area.
According to officials, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kahna witnessed a sharp drop from a hazardous 667 to 170, marking a 70% reduction in air pollution within minutes of the operation. The experimental operation was initiated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after the Smog Control War Room detected an unusual surge in AQI levels.
Three mobile anti-smog gun units were promptly dispatched to the affected area, where they carried out targeted spraying operations. Real-time monitoring systems showed a visible improvement in air quality shortly after the spray began, with advanced sensors confirming a significant reduction in pollution levels.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif congratulated the Environmental Protection Force for their rapid and effective response. She praised the team’s efforts, saying, “Punjab is leading the way in serving people and adopting modern technology to tackle environmental challenges.”
The chief minister had earlier directed the provincial environment department to introduce anti-smog guns as part of a broader strategy to reduce smog and improve air quality across the province.
Officials said the successful test paves the way for similar operations in other high-risk urban areas of Punjab. Each anti-smog gun, mounted on a 16,000-litre water tanker, sprays a fine mist up to 100 metres into the air. These microscopic droplets trap dust and harmful particles, pulling them down to the ground.
Authorities believe that this technology could help reduce cases of asthma, lung infections, and heart disease, providing temporary relief to residents from the province’s frequent hazardous air pollution levels. CM Maryam also commended citizens and EPA teams for their cooperation, calling the test “a milestone in Punjab’s environmental innovation.”
