Gearing up for the fight against air pollution, the govt of Uttar Pradesh has decided to set up war rooms in Lucknow, Kanpur and other major cities. The new infrastructure will be set up under the authority of the Road Dust Management and will keep a check on various sources of pollution. As per reports, similar war rooms will also be set up in NCR districts to improve the overall air quality in UP.

Need for anti-pollution measures in the state

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According to the World Air Quality Report 2020, Lucknow ranks as the ninth most polluted city in the world and the onset of winters only spells more trouble for the city. The mercury dip along with high moisture content, the rise of smog and emission of greenhouse gases are factors that affect the AQI and make it worse. This is why interventions like these, are a must at this point in time.

Reportedly, Chief Secretary RK Tiwari has initiated a crackdown on all sources that can aggravate air pollution. Directives have been issued to strictly prohibit the use of all petrol vehicles that are aged 15 years or older. A similar notice is in order for 10-years and older diesel vehicles. Officials will be held for negligence if there are cases of stubble burning. If need be, the number of cow shelter sites should also be increased to ensure that stray animals do not litter on the road, added authorities.

Traffic management to reduce footprints

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The CS also held a video conference with all divisional commissioners and district magistrates of the state to derive ways of curbing air pollution here. As of now, the districts of Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Prayagraj, Varanasi along with state capital Lucknow and those in the NCR region are under the purview of the pollution check. Additionally, the state has issued orders to spray water on roads and trees at least twice a week to settle the dust and reduce SPM (suspended particulate matter) in the air for overall AQI management.