Lucknow Air Quality Improved in 2025 but Still Needs Work: IITR

The particulate matter (PM) concentrations in Lucknow were monitored from pre-monsoon 2024 to pre-monsoon 2025, revealing a mixed but overall improving trend. PM10 levels dropped by 9.8%, 14.6%, and 4.9%, while PM2.5 levels declined by 13.6%, 17.2%, and 17.4% in residential, commercial, and industrial zones, respectively. Despite these reductions, the concentrations still exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) limits of 100 µg/m³ for PM10 and 60 µg/m³ for PM2.5.

Although air quality in the city improved compared to the previous year’s pre-monsoon period, it remained above the permissible limits. This occurred despite ongoing pollution control measures like the enforcement of BS-VI emission standards, and the promotion of CNG and electric vehicles.

These findings were detailed in the ‘Assessment of Ambient Air Quality of Lucknow City Pre-Monsoon 2025’ report published by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR).

Site-specific observations showed that PM10 levels at Aliganj and Vikas Nagar remained fairly stable. Indira Nagar and Gomti Nagar experienced a rise in 2024, followed by a decline in 2025. Commercial areas such as Charbagh saw fluctuating PM levels over the past five years, with a noticeable drop in 2025 compared to 2024, though values still exceeded NAAQS limits. In the industrial area of Amausi, PM10 concentrations varied, increasing from 2023 to peak in 2024 before slightly decreasing in 2025.