As Winter Sets In, Lucknow’s Air Quality Falls to ‘Poor’ Category | Weather.com
As Winter Sets In, Lucknow's Air Quality Falls to 'Poor' Category ... The Weather Channel
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Air Quality in Lucknow Deteriorates as Temperatures Drop
File photo (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
(Manoj Chhabra/BCCL Lucknow)
With a gradual drop in temperatures, the air quality of Lucknow has also started deteriorating.
Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lucknow
As per the data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) of the city was 202 on Wednesday. This was the second time this week that the city figured in the ‘poor’ air quality category.
Factors Contributing to Air Pollution
According to experts, there is not just one but multiple factors behind this gradual spike in air pollution levels in the last one week, of which traffic congestion due to the festive rush, major events in the city, weather conditions, and garbage burning are some of the main reasons.
Air Quality in October
The state capital figured in ‘good’ to ‘moderate’ air quality throughout October, with the best air quality days witnessed on October 3 and 5 when the AQI was 44 and 39.
Air pollution levels were under control even on Dussehra when effigies of Ravana were burnt and crackers were burst.
On Dussehra, the AQI was 136, while the day after the celebrations, the air pollution spiked just by eight units.
In the past week, the city’s air pollution levels spiked by around 62 units pushing the air quality from ‘moderate’ to ‘poor’ standards.
Recent Air Quality Trends
On October 27, the city’s AQI was 131 which rose to 202 on Monday and then improved to 198 (moderate) on Tuesday and again it rose to 202 on Wednesday.
“The air pollution levels will rise further in the coming days due to a fall in temperatures. Pollution control measures like water sprinkling, a ban on garbage burning, and working on ending traffic snarls should be done with immediate effect,” said environmentalist Venkatesh Dutta.
He said a drop in temperatures and low wind speed increase air pollution levels.
If preventive steps as recommended by the National Green Tribunal are not taken in a planned manner now, the situation can turn from bad to worse in the coming days.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator: Air Quality Index (AQI)
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Indicator: Air Quality Index (AQI)
- Indicator: Garbage burning
Analysis
1. The issues highlighted in the article are related to air pollution in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. This connects to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
2. Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
3. The article mentions or implies the following indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Air Quality Index (AQI): The article mentions the AQI of Lucknow, which is used to assess the air pollution levels in the city.
- Garbage burning: The article highlights garbage burning as one of the main reasons for the spike in air pollution levels.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Air Quality Index (AQI) |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Air Quality Index (AQI) |
| Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Garbage burning |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: weather.com
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