Authors: Priya Jaiswal
Abstract: This study presents the development and evaluation of an Environmental Quality Index (EQI) for Lucknow city, aimed at assessing the environmental factors that influence public health outcomes. The EQI is designed to integrate three critical environmental components—air quality, water quality, and green cover—which are known to have direct and indirect effects on human health. Data spanning from 2020 to 2024 were collected from reputable government sources, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), and the Forest Survey of India (FSI). These datasets were systematically processed, analyzed, and normalized to create a composite index that represents the overall environmental condition of the city in relation to public health risks. The results indicate that Lucknow’s environmental quality generally falls within the moderate to poor range, reflecting significant challenges for maintaining population health. Rising levels of air pollutants, persistent water contamination, and limited improvement in urban green spaces collectively contribute to increased vulnerability to respiratory, cardiovascular, and waterborne diseases. Year-wise analysis reveals gradual deterioration in air and water quality, highlighting the urgent need for targeted public health interventions and environmental management strategies. The EQI developed in this study provides a valuable tool for policymakers, health authorities, and urban planners to identify high-risk areas, prioritize interventions, and monitor the effectiveness of measures aimed at reducing environmental health hazards.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17098074
