Lucknow, Oct. 30 -- The recent spell of rain in parts of Uttar Pradesh, including in the state capital, has suppressed airborne pollutants, improving air quality. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, several cities in the state have reported a significant drop in their Air Quality Indices (AQIs) following the showers. In Lucknow, the AQI improved to 58, placing it in the "satisfactory" category. Kanpur recorded an AQI of 49, and Agra stood at 65- all well below the 100 mark, which the CPCB classifies as "satisfactory." An AQI of 51 to 100 is classified as "satisfactory", and between 101 and 200 is classified as "moderate", between 201 and 300 is "poor", between 301 and 400 is "very poor", and over 400 is "severe", as per the CPCB. Before the rain, these cities had recorded AQI levels hovering around or above 200, indicating "poor" air quality. However, the air quality remains a concern in parts of western Uttar Pradesh. Hapur recorded an AQI of 260,Bulandshahr 177, Greater Noida 248, and Ghaziabad 266 - all indicating "poor" levels of air. The situation was worse in Baghpat, which recorded an AQI of 320, and Charkhi Dadri, where it reached 323, both falling in the "very poor" category. Experts say the rain has helped wash away airborne pollutants, reducing the concentration of particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10) that directly affects respiratory health. "Rain helps settle dust and other suspended particles, offering temporary improvement in air quality," said an environmental scientist. "However, as temperatures drop and humidity rises, pollutants can again accumulate if preventive measures are not maintained." Experts emphasize that while the rain has offered temporary respite, long-term solutions are essential to maintaining cleaner air....