Authors: Himanshu Ranjan, Manoj Kumar Yadav, Sushant Kumar
Abstract: The Indo-Gangetic Plain's Lucknow, a metropolis that is quickly urbanising, is seeing dangerously high levels of tiny particulate matter (PM2.5), which endanger both the environment and human health. In contrast to Delhi, which has seen a great deal of study on air quality, Lucknow has not received as much attention despite its increasing industrial emissions, biomass burning, and vehicle traffic. This study looks at the temporal and geographical trends of PM2.5 in Lucknow, identifies the main sources of emissions, and uses exposure-response relationships to assess the health risks associated with these findings. Data from state monitoring stations and the CPCB were used to evaluate the daily and seasonal variations in PM2.5 concentrations. in addition to meteorological factors. According to the findings, steady atmospheric conditions and biomass burning cause PM2.5 levels to peak throughout the winter months, with concentrations frequently above both national and WHO guidelines. Significant attributable hazards for cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity are suggested by epidemiological studies, especially for older and paediatric groups. The critical need for integrated mitigation strategies such as switching to cleaner fuels, reducing vehicle emissions, and increasing green cover is highlighted in this article. The results give policy interventions under India's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) an evidence-based basis, which is important given Lucknow's geographic location and population susceptibility.
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