Not Diwali yet, but air pollution shoots up across Uttar Pradesh
Agra, with AQI of 458, records worst air quality in the country; Lucknow AQI was 392 and Kanpur 436
A week before Diwali, air pollution levels have shot up across Uttar Pradesh with at least 11 cities recording ‘severe’ air quality, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Saturday.
Agra, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 458, recorded the worst air quality in the country.
Baghpat, Bulandshahr, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida and Muzaffarnagar recorded ‘severe’ AQI. AQI over 401 is considered ‘severe’ and is known to have an adverse impact on human health on exposure, according to experts.
The state capital recorded AQI of 392 and Kanpur 436.
As per CPCB, major pollutants in the region were PM 10, PM 2.5 and gases from vehicular emissions. The drop in air quality was visible as most cities were covered in fog during major part of the day that thickened during the night.
According to experts, the recent drop in temperature, incidents of cracker burning along with rise in vehicular pollution have led to the rise in AQI. Smoke caused by burning of farm waste, including stubble, is another reason for the spike in air pollution. Meanwhile, UPPCB has sent a fresh advisory to districts’ administration to check the rise in air pollution. Efforts are also being made to prevent stubble burning and illegal construction activities.
“We are keeping a tab on air pollution and are taking measures to reduce it. People are being fined for causing air pollution. Efforts are also being made to make people aware about the issue,” said Ram Karan, regional officer of UPPCB.