Lucknow's Air Quality Improves, But Noise Pollution Remains a Concern

According to a recent report released on November 5, 2025, Lucknow's air quality has seen significant improvements compared to the previous year. The assessment, titled "Assessment of Ambient Air Quality of Lucknow City Post Monsoon-2025," found that average PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations have dropped by 19.4% and 24%, respectively, compared to 2024.

The report credits the improvements largely to heavy rainfall in September 2025, which facilitated dust washout, particle settling, and reduced construction and traffic activity. Commercial areas showed the steepest decline in pollution levels. However, the city's air quality still remains in the "moderately polluted" category, with particulate matter levels exceeding national standards.

While gaseous pollutants like SO2 and NO2 remained within prescribed limits, noise pollution emerged as a serious concern. Day-time and night-time noise levels exceeded the Central Pollution Control Board's norms across most residential, commercial, and industrial sites.

Officials attribute the sustained improvements since 2023 to the implementation of the Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Plan, the expansion of electric and CNG buses, rising personal electric vehicle use, increased metro ridership, and better traffic management. Mechanized road sweeping and timely solid waste management by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation have further aided dust reduction.

Despite the positive trends, experts warn that growing vehicular numbers and fuel consumption could offset the gains. Continuous monitoring, public awareness, and coordinated citizen-government action will be crucial for safeguarding public health in the coming years.