Dug-up roads, construction worsen Lucknow air: UPPCB
LUCKNOW : Incessant digging and construction activity without sufficient measures to reduce particulate pollution has led to the air quality of state capital worsening, according to experts of Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB).
“There are over a dozen major constructions and upgrade work being done in many parts of the state capital. Much of this work is being done in the heart of the city which leads to worsening of the air quality,” said UPPCB regional officer (RO) Ram Karan.
The road leading from Parivartan Chowk to Dalibagh, roads around the commissionarate, Qaiserbagh Bus Stop, near Nibu Park in Chowk, the road leading from Jawahar Bhawan to the police commissioner’s office, Burlington Crossing to Qiaerbagh and others are currently lying dug up. Some of these roads have been in that state for over a month. The work of sewer pipes upgrade is going on most of these roads which is being undertaken by various agencies.
“Construction work leads to a rise in particulate pollution of PM2.5 and PM10 which is a major contributor towards air pollution in the state capital,” said Ram Karan. The particulate pollution coupled with vehicular emissions contribute majorly towards depleting the air quality.
The air quality of Lucknow is reflected in the Air Quality Index (AQI) data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The state capital recorded an AQI over 301 on most days since October 1 last year. An AQI over 301 is considered to be very harmful with known adverse impact on health on prolonged exposure.
Considering the depleting air quality, the UPPCB has written to the agencies involved in construction work to take measures to prevent air pollution. The board has also asked the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) to take measures for controlling air pollution. Though the LMC has taken measures like sprinkling water on major routes and near construction sites, these measures have been only partially effective.
AN AQI OVER 301 IS CONSIDERED TO BE VERY HARMFUL WITH KNOWN ADVERSE IMPACT ON HEALTH ON PROLONGED EXPOSURE.