Kanpur, Lucknow record worst air quality index in the country
LUCKNOW: The air quality of Kanpur and Lucknow was the worst in the country on Tuesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
According to CPCB data, Kanpur was on top in the list of the worst polluted cities in the country with average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 453. It was followed by Lucknow with AQI of 416. AQI in the range of 400 and 500 is termed ‘severe’ and can even harm healthy persons on exposure.
Regional Officer (RO) of Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) Ram Karan said, “Vehicular and industrial emissions were the major reasons that polluted the air in Kanpur and Lucknow and led to higher AQI.”On Monday, the AQI of Kanpur and Lucknow was 427 and 435, respectively.
In Lucknow, Talkatora and Gomtinagar remained the most polluted areas with PM (particulate matter) 2.5 levels nearing the 500 mark during the wee hours and late afternoon.
According to experts, a slight improvement in day temperature and north-westerly winds helped in slightly improving the air quality of Lucknow in day time. But the pollution levels went up again in the evening as the temperature dipped, making the air dense due to absence of air movement.
In Kanpur, experts claimed industrial emissions led to decline in air quality. “Many industries resumed their operations
on Tuesday as labourers returned after the festive season. This is reflected directly in the AQI of the city,” said an officer of the pollution control board.
Considering the ‘severe’ AQI levels, the UPPCB has decided to continue the measures to prevent air pollution. The board had banned all major construction projects in and around the city on Wednesday and had started imposing heavy fines on violators. The board has fined firms violating the norms around Rs 40 lakh in last three days. It has also issued advisory to concerned departments to take measures to reduce air pollution, the officer said. “In Kanpur, we are working in tandem with the departments concerned to reduce the pollution levels,” said the officer.
LITTLE RESPITE TO WEST-UP
The AQI of cities in west UP, where pollution level had reached ‘severe’ mark, improved slightly in the last 24 hours. Baghpat which was the most polluted city on Monday with AQI of 440 improved to 328 on Tuesday. AQI in other cities including Meerut, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Noida and Moradabad has also improved.
CLEAR SKY FOR CRICKET MATCH
Clear sky and better AQI is expected in Lucknow as it will host the first match of the cricket series between Afghanistan and West Indies on Wednesday.
As per the forecast issued by state meteorological department, the sky will be clear by the time the match begins. Pollution control board officials asserted that the AQI of Lucknow will be below 400 mark on Wednesday.