Lucknow Air Third Most Polluted In India

LUCKNOW || In what should send alarm bells ringing, the city of Lucknow has crossed the 300 mark on the air quality index becoming the third most polluted city in India. It is for the very first time that in October, Lucknow had an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 328 which signifies the 'very polluted' category.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board there is a list of seven cities with AQI above 300. Three of them are in Uttar Pradesh. Apart from Lucknow, the others on the list from the state are Meerut, ranked second in the state followed by Baghpat.

Environment experts say that "In Uttar Pradesh, around 96 flyovers are under construction and vehicular movement is at its peak due to the festival season. This is the most apt weather for a spike in air pollutant levels.

Reportedly since temperatures are dipping gradually, particulate matter is suspended in air. With low wind speed the dust is not allowed to disperse. As winter sets in, the situation could worsen predict experts. Respiratory disorder cases during the pandemic could see a sharp increase.

-- Arijit Bose