Lucknow Breathes Easy As AQI Drops To 110

On Saturday, Lucknow’s air quality index (AQI) improved to 110, marking the lowest level in almost two months. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app, the city’s air quality shifted from ‘poor’ to ‘moderate,’ offering residents a rare break from pollution. The improvement followed a sharp contrast from Friday’s AQI of 224, which had placed the city firmly in the ‘poor’ category.  

Officials attribute the cleaner air to reduced vehicular movement over the weekend and favorable meteorological conditions. Environmental experts, however, warn that without sustained measures, pollution levels could rise again as weekday traffic resumes.  

Key Highlights  

• Lucknow’s AQI dropped to 110, the lowest in nearly two months  
• Air quality improved from ‘poor’ (224) on Friday to ‘moderate’ on Saturday  
• Reduced traffic and weather changes contributed to the improvement  
• Experts caution that pollution levels may rise again during weekdays  
• November 1 was the last time AQI fell lower, at 70  

The dip in AQI offers a welcome respite for Lucknow residents, highlighting the impact of traffic and weather on pollution levels. Authorities emphasize the need for long-term strategies to ensure cleaner air beyond temporary improvements.  

Sources: Hindustan Times, AQI India, IQAir