UPPCB’s efforts to control pollution in Lalbagh, Talkatora fall short

Despite ongoing efforts by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to curb pollution levels in the Lalbagh and Talkatora areas, the Air Quality Index continues to remain in the ‘very poor’ category. Among the six active AQI monitoring stations in Lucknow, the Talkatora industries centre and Lalbagh consistently record the highest pollution levels, with PM2.5 and PM10 levels reaching as high as 400 on certain days. UPPCB’s regional officer, JP Maurya, commented on the situation, saying, “Local shop owners continue to burn automobile waste, significantly contributing to the pollution. The shutdown decision is still pending, but concrete action will be taken soon.” On the same day, Lucknow’s overall AQI recorded 219, falling under the ‘poor’ category.