AFTER DELHI, SMOG CHOKES LUCKNOW TOO

After Delhi, it is Lucknow that is facing intense air pollution.

On Thursday, it was almost like sunset at high noon as smog conditions intensified and visibility was poor — less than even 50 metres. Smog conditions have intensified in the past 24 hours and air pollution rose to more than seven times the safe limit on Wednesday evening, as per the analysis of air quality index (AQI).

Last year, Lucknow was the most polluted city in the country on November 8 and on the same day this year too, thick smog engulfed the city.

According to AQI data released by CPCB for 40 cities, Lucknow’s air was under ‘severe’ category with the concentration of PM2.5 — the finest and most hazardous particulate matter — at 430 micrograms per cubic meter of air against the permissible limit of 60 micrograms per cubic meter of air.

The ‘severe’ category affects even healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases. According to Indian Institute of Toxicology Research director Dr Alok Dhawan, pollution levels were high throughout the day with maximum level recorded in the afternoon when AQI crossed 400.

MEANWHILE, reports of a massive car pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway made people road travel and opt for air travel which sent air fares spiralling.

HOSPITALS including the Balrampur hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia recorded increase in number of patients with respiratory problems.