Lucknow: City’s air quality has deteriorated sharply days before Diwali , prompting worries that festival firecrackers could push pollution levels even higher. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which was in the satisfactory range earlier this week, slid into the poor category on Wednesday, even before any major Diwali-related bursting of crackers began.
Amid heavy market crowds and mounting traffic pressure, the traffic police have announced diversions at 13 locations and restrictions on vehicle entry into major shopping hubs including Aminabad, Hazratganj, Bhootnath and Patrakarpuram from Nov 6 to 9. “Long traffic jams due to festivities have contributed to the spike in pollution levels. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Lucknow | Silver Rate in Lucknow | Bank Holidays in Lucknow | Public Holidays in Lucknow | Lucknow AQI | Weather in Lucknow | Petrol Price in Lucknow | Diesel Price in Lucknow | CNG Price in Lucknow | LPG Price in Lucknow Stay updated with the latest Lucknow news.
With Diwali approaching, the deterioration has raised concerns over a further increase in pollution,” said environmentalist Alfred Lawrence of Isabella Thoburn College. Ongoing construction activity across the city has also added to the pollution load, with dust remaining a persistent factor. Environmentalists warn that firecracker emissions, along with dust and vehicle exhaust, could worsen conditions in the coming days. Download the TOI App.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows Lucknow’s AQI was 77 on Nov 2, placing it in the satisfactory category. It rose to 130 on Nov 3, moving into the moderate range, and then climbed steeply to 223 on Wednesday, marking a shift to the poor category. On Thursday, the AQI eased to 188 but stayed within the moderate bracket, indicating that pollution levels remained significantly elevated compared with the start of the week. Between Nov 2 and Nov 4, the AQI increased by 146 points, nearly tripling within 48 hours, highlighting the speed of the deterioration.
The worsening air quality has coincided with a surge in vehicular movement and congestion around key markets as residents step out for Diwali shopping. Prolonged traffic snarls keep vehicles on the roads for longer periods, with idling, repeated acceleration and stop-and-go movement contributing to higher emissions.