Four UP cities record very poor air quality, Meerut worst in country

THURSDAY ALSO MARKED THE DAY WHEN MOST CITIES RECORDED AN

AQI ABOVE THE 301-MARK

Four cities of Uttar Pradesh recorded very poor air quality index (AQI) in the data released by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Thursday.

Meerut with an AQI of 359 recorded the worst air quality in the country.

The AQI in Greater Noida was recorded at 357 followed by Dadri 337 and Ghaziabad 322 also figured in the places that recorded worst air quality. As per CPCB, air quality in the 0-50 range is good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201300 poor, 301-400 very poor and above 400 is severe.

An AQI above 301 is termed very poor and is known to have a long-term impact on humans on exposure of long durations.

As per CPCB, the particulate matter with diameter of 2.5 microgram per cubic meter and vehicular emissions were the major components that depleted the air quality at these places.

This is when Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and the administration of all UP districts have started imposing fines and lodging FIRs against farmers found burning stubble.

Thursday also marked the day when most cities recorded an AQI above the 301-mark. Experts believe that the pollution levels will go up further in the coming days.

“The stubble burning will continue till Deepawali which is major factor contributing to air pollination. Besides, vehicular movement and human activities are also on the rise post lockdown, which will also make the air worse in the coming days,” said senior ecologist Devesh Sharma.