Lucknow: Stating that six Uttar Pradesh cities figured among India’s 10 most polluted urban centres in Oct, state Congress president Aradhana Mishra ‘Mona’ on Friday accused BJP govt of failing to tackle air pollution.Citing the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air’s (CREA) report, India Monthly Ambient Air Quality Snapshot – Oct 2026, released on Thursday and based on Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Mishra said Baraut in Baghpat emerged as the country’s most polluted city, followed by Khoda in Ghaziabad and Gajraula in Amroha. Ghaziabad, Noida and Meerut also figured among the top 10 most polluted cities.Baraut recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 87 micrograms per cubic metre, nearly six times the WHO limit, while Khoda recorded 85 micrograms.“The fact that the country’s three most polluted cities are in UP reflects the gravity of the situation. Of the 27 cities in the state covered by the report, not one recorded PM2.5 levels within the WHO’s recommended safe limit of 15 micrograms per cubic metre,” Mishra said.Ghaziabad recorded pollution levels exceeding six times the WHO limit on 15 days during the month. Noida had 25 days and Meerut 23 days when PM2.5 levels were more than four times the recommended limit.“Of the 27 cities, 13 recorded average pollution levels between four and six times the WHO limit, while 11 were in the two-to-four-times range,” she said.Mishra said PM2.5 particles could penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. “Children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable,” she said.Demanding immediate and time-bound measures, she accused govt of focusing on publicity and events instead of addressing the pollution crisis.She said the Congress would ensure clean air, safe drinking water and uncontaminated food if the INDIA bloc formed govt in UP.
