PRAYAGRAJ, May 5 -- The report for March 2025 of Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) reveals high level of air pollutants in both commercial and residential areas at various locations in 30 districts of the state. As per the report uploaded recently at the UPPCB website, the air quality index (AQI) level at 56 out of the 76 locations where the air quality was assessed in the said districts was found to be above the prescribed safe level of 100 while the PM 10 level at 57 locations was also found to be above the prescribed safe limit of 100 microgram per cubic metre. In Sangam city, which recently hosted the Mahakumbh 2025, at all five locations where air pollutant levels were measured in March, the AQI level was assessed to be above 100, indicating that air here is unhealthy and unfit for inhaling. The PM 10 level was also found to be way above the safety level of 100 microgram per cubic metre. As per the report, at Mahalaxmi Talkies crossing, the AQI level was measured at 210 while PM10 level was 260 microgram per cubic metre. Similarly, the level of both the parameters was measured at 163 and 195 microgram per cubic metre at BYNL, Mumfordganj, 157 and 185.47 microgram per cubic metre at sewage pumping station, Alopibagh, 140 and 160.19 microgram per cubic metre at Cooperative Bank, Johnstonganj besides 152 and 178 microgram per cubic metre at Parag Dairy, Rambagh. In state capital Lucknow, the AQI and PM10 were measured at six locations where they were found to be much above the prescribed safe limit. As per the UPPCB report, the twin values at Hazratganj were recorded at 157 and 185.60 microgram per cubic metre respectively, at Mahanagar 147 and 170.20 microgram per cubic metre, at Aliganj 155 and 183 microgram per cubic metre, at Talkatora 164 and 195.50 microgram per cubic metre, at Ansal SJI School 161 and 191.20 microgram per cubic metre besides at Gomti Nagar (Nagar Nigam) the same was recorded at 157 and 184.90 microgram per cubic metre respectively. The top five locations in state with highest AQI and PM 10 levels include Hapur (near Jindal Pipe Ltd, Delhi-Hapur road) with 390 and 421.70 microgram per cubic metre followed by Prayagraj (Mahalaxmi Talkies crossing) 210 and 260 microgram per cubic metre. The third highest AQI and PM 10 levels recorded in March this year was at Khurja (Ahirpara) with 184 and 226 microgram per cubic metre while at fourth spot was Ghaziabad (Bulandshahr road) with 168 and 202.62 microgram per cubic metre. The fifth highest values on both the parameters in state was recorded at Talkatora in Lucknow at 164 and 195.50 microgram per cubic metre. As per UPPCB guidelines, AQI up to 100 indicates that the air quality is considered satisfactory or moderate while that between 101 to 200 indicates moderately polluted air quality where people with respiratory or heart conditions may experience breathing discomfort. However, AQI between 201 and 300 is considered very unhealthy and prolonged exposure at this level could cause breathing difficulties and discomfort while AQI between 301 and 400 indicates very poor air quality, which can cause respiratory illnesses and discomfort, especially for people with lung and heart conditions. Further, AQI above 401 is considered severe and poses health risks to everyone. Moreover, the PM 10 level or particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less if inhaled can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Its level below 100 microgram per cubic metre measured in 24 hours span or 60 microgram per cubic metre annually is prescribed safe level in both commercial and residential areas....