Lucknow : Stating that six Uttar Pradesh cities figured among India’s 10 most polluted urban centres in Oct, state Congress president Aradhana Mishra ‘Mona’ on Friday accused BJP govt of failing to tackle air pollution.
Citing the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air’s (CREA) report, India Monthly Ambient Air Quality Snapshot – Oct 2026, released on Thursday and based on Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Mishra said Baraut in Baghpat emerged as the country’s most polluted city, followed by Khoda in Ghaziabad and Gajraula in Amroha. Ghaziabad, Noida and Meerut also figured among the top 10 most polluted cities. Of the 27 cities in the state covered by the report, not one recorded PM2.5 levels within the WHO’s recommended safe limit of 15 micrograms per cubic metre,” Mishra said. Mishra said PM2.5 particles could penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
“Of the 27 cities, 13 recorded average pollution levels between four and six times the WHO limit, while 11 were in the two-to-four-times range,” she said. “Children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable,” she said. She said the Congress would ensure clean air, safe drinking water and uncontaminated food if the INDIA bloc formed govt in UP.
“The fact that the country’s three most polluted cities are in UP reflects the gravity of the situation.