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Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
EV cars, two-wheelers driving Lucknow closer to green goals
Gradual increase in the number of electric vehicles (EV cars and two-wheelers) on Lucknow roads in the last one year and other air pollution abatement measures have brought positive changes in the city's air quality. As compared to pre-monsoon period in 2024, the corresponding duration is less polluted this year, according to the 'Assessment of Ambient Air Quality of Lucknow City', a pre-monsoon 2025 report released by CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR) on the eve of World Environment Day on Wednesday. According to the report, nine localities of the state capital, comprising four commercial and residential each, and one industrial, were monitored in April-May (pre-monsoon period). The report highlighted that though there is a declining trend in pollution levels as compared to the corresponding period last year, the average pollutant concentration levels recorded were above the safe or permissible limits set by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). According to NAAQS, the PM 10 concentration should not be more than 100 and PM 2.5 concentration should not be more than 60 micrograms per cubic metre of air. In all the nine localities, the air pollution levels were above the safe limits with Gomtinagar, Charbagh and Chowk being the most polluted localities. Highest average PM2.5 concentration was recorded in Gomtinagar (82.5 micrograms per cubic metre), followed by Indiranagar (74.5), Aliganj (71.6), and Vikasnagar (68.3). In commercial areas, Chowk's air was the most polluted with PM 2.5 concentration recorded 107.3 micrograms per cubic metre followed by Chargbagh (107), Aminabad (92.9) and Alambagh (86.5). This year, PM 2.5 concentration range was 68.3-114.5 micrograms while last year this range was 70.6-138.6 micrograms. Meanwhile, highest average PM 10 concentration in residential areas was recorded in Gomtinagar (131.3 micrograms), followed by Aliganj (126.8), Indiranagar 119.8, and Vikasnagar 117.2. In commercial areas, highest PM 10 concentration was recorded in Charbagh (187.6 micrograms) followed by Chowk (174.5), Aminabad (162.6) and Alambagh (151.7), respectively. "April and May are typically dry summer months in Lucknow city. Hence, there is a rise in surface temperature. Air turbulence results in loose soil and road dust resuspension into the atmosphere. Also, the ongoing road widening, pavements, flyover, and building construction activities in the city also contributed the entrainment of dust into the ambient air environment," the IITR report said. The report highlighted that the number of registered vehicles in the city has also gone up that is contributing to more jams, increased fuel consumption and relative traffic pollution along the city roads. Despite these factors, the particulate levels showed a declining trend from the previous year's pre-monsoon surveys. IITR attributed this trend to multiple action plans implemented to mitigate the ambient air pollution concentration. In 2024-25, more EV buses (7 more) and CNG buses (47 more) have been added to the public transport of the city. "The gradual increase in personal EV cars and two-wheelers has also been observed on city roads during the last one year indicating a shift to cleaner fuel vehicle use in the city. Besides, the number of passengers using the Lucknow metro has increased," the report said. It further added that several new flyovers, connecting roads, and outer roads have also shared the load of the city traffic. The outer ring roads around the city have provided uninterrupted routes for long-distance vehicles to avoid entry into the city. Deployment of almost 100 e-sweeping machines (slow moving vehicle) in the city by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) for road cleaning and dust suppression may also have contributed to the reduction in ambient particulate matter levels, the report added.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
EVs & cleanliness campaigns taking Lucknow closer to green goals
G Gradual increase in the number of electric vehicles (EV cars and two-wheelers) on Lucknow roads in the last one year and other air pollution abatement measures have brought positive changes in the city's air quality. As compared to pre-monsoon period in 2024, the corresponding duration is less polluted this year, according to the 'Assessment of Ambient Air Quality of Lucknow City', a pre-monsoon 2025 report released by CSIRIndian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR) on the eve of World Environment Day on Wednesday. According to the report, nine localities of the state capital, comprising four commercial and residential each, and one industrial, were monitored in April-May (pre-monsoon period). The report highlighted that though there is a declining trend in pollution levels as compared to the corresponding period last year. According to NAAQS, the PM 10 concentration should not be more than 100 and PM 2.5 concentration should not be more than 60 micrograms per cubic metre of air. In all the nine localities, the air pollution levels were above the safe limits with Gomtinagar, Charbagh and Chowk being the most polluted localities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tecno Pova Curve 5G | Outcurve Everyone TECNO Mobile Book Now Undo Highest average PM2.5 concentration was recorded in Gomtinagar (82.5 micrograms per cubic metre), followed by Indiranagar (74.5), Aliganj (71.6), and Vikasnagar (68.3). In commercial areas, Chowk's air was the most polluted with PM 2.5 concentration recorded 107.3 micrograms per cubic metre followed by Chargbagh (107), Aminabad (92.9) and Alambagh (86.5). This year, the PM 2.5 concentration range was 68.3-114.5 micrograms while last year this range was 70.6-138.6 micrograms. Meanwhile, the highest average PM 10 concentration in residential areas was recorded in Gomtinagar (131.3 micrograms), followed by Aliganj (126.8), Indiranagar 119.8, and Vikasnagar 117.2. In commercial areas, highest PM 10 concentration was recorded in Charbagh (187.6 micrograms) followed by Chowk (174.5), Aminabad (162.6) and Alambagh (151.7), respectively. 'April and May are typically dry summer months in Lucknow city. Hence, there is a rise in surface temperature. Air turbulence results in loose soil and road dust resuspension into the atmosphere. Also, the ongoing road widening, pavements, flyover, and building construction activities in the city also contributed the entrainment of dust into the ambient air environment,' the IITR report said. The report highlighted that the number of registered vehicles in the city has also gone up, contributing to more jams, increased fuel consumption and relative traffic pollution along the city roads. Despite these factors, the particulate levels showed a declining trend from the previous year's pre-monsoon surveys. 'The gradual increase in personal EV cars and two-wheelers has also been observed on city roads during the last one year indicating a shift to cleaner fuel vehicle use in the city,' the report said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
EV cars, two-wheelers driving Lucknow closer to green goals
Lucknow: Gradual increase in the number of electric vehicles (EV cars and two-wheelers) on Lucknow roads in the last one year and other air pollution abatement measures have brought positive changes in the city's air quality. As compared to pre-monsoon period in 2024, the corresponding duration is less polluted this year, according to the 'Assessment of Ambient Air Quality of Lucknow City', a pre-monsoon 2025 report released by CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR) on the eve of World Environment Day on Wednesday. According to the report, nine localities of the state capital, comprising four commercial and residential each, and one industrial, were monitored in April-May (pre-monsoon period). The report highlighted that though there is a declining trend in pollution levels as compared to the corresponding period last year, the average pollutant concentration levels recorded were above the safe or permissible limits set by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). According to NAAQS, the PM 10 concentration should not be more than 100 and PM 2.5 concentration should not be more than 60 micrograms per cubic metre of air. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo In all the nine localities, the air pollution levels were above the safe limits with Gomtinagar, Charbagh and Chowk being the most polluted localities. Highest average PM2.5 concentration was recorded in Gomtinagar (82.5 micrograms per cubic metre), followed by Indiranagar (74.5), Aliganj (71.6), and Vikasnagar (68.3). In commercial areas, Chowk's air was the most polluted with PM 2.5 concentration recorded 107.3 micrograms per cubic metre followed by Chargbagh (107), Aminabad (92.9) and Alambagh (86.5). This year, PM 2.5 concentration range was 68.3-114.5 micrograms while last year this range was 70.6-138.6 micrograms. Meanwhile, highest average PM 10 concentration in residential areas was recorded in Gomtinagar (131.3 micrograms), followed by Aliganj (126.8), Indiranagar 119.8, and Vikasnagar 117.2. In commercial areas, highest PM 10 concentration was recorded in Charbagh (187.6 micrograms) followed by Chowk (174.5), Aminabad (162.6) and Alambagh (151.7), respectively. "April and May are typically dry summer months in Lucknow city. Hence, there is a rise in surface temperature. Air turbulence results in loose soil and road dust resuspension into the atmosphere. Also, the ongoing road widening, pavements, flyover, and building construction activities in the city also contributed the entrainment of dust into the ambient air environment," the IITR report said. The report highlighted that the number of registered vehicles in the city has also gone up that is contributing to more jams, increased fuel consumption and relative traffic pollution along the city roads. Despite these factors, the particulate levels showed a declining trend from the previous year's pre-monsoon surveys. IITR attributed this trend to multiple action plans implemented to mitigate the ambient air pollution concentration. In 2024-25, more EV buses (7 more) and CNG buses (47 more) have been added to the public transport of the city. "The gradual increase in personal EV cars and two-wheelers has also been observed on city roads during the last one year indicating a shift to cleaner fuel vehicle use in the city. Besides, the number of passengers using the Lucknow metro has increased," the report said. It further added that several new flyovers, connecting roads, and outer roads have also shared the load of the city traffic. The outer ring roads around the city have provided uninterrupted routes for long-distance vehicles to avoid entry into the city. Deployment of almost 100 e-sweeping machines (slow moving vehicle) in the city by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) for road cleaning and dust suppression may also have contributed to the reduction in ambient particulate matter levels, the report added.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
From compliance to confidence: Toward transparent and trusted food systems
Every year on June 7, World Food Safety Day reminds us of a simple but critical truth: access to safe food is a shared responsibility and a public good. The theme for World Food Safety Day 2025 is "Food safety: science in action". This theme highlights the crucial role of scientific knowledge in ensuring food safety, from developing safe practices to addressing foodborne illnesses, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). With consumers growing more vocal about what goes into their food and increasing scrutiny of terms like 'flavour enhancers' and 'chemical preservatives', conversations around food safety have moved from niche policy circles to public discourse. Against this backdrop, a recent Stakeholder Engagement Workshop on Food Additive Safety and Toxicity(SEW FAST), hosted by CSIR-IITR and the Food Future Foundation, took place in Lucknow. It brought together scientists, industry experts, and regulators to examine the persistent gulf between public perception and scientific evidence around food additives. Food additives play a crucial role in preservation, taste enhancement, stability, and nutritional fortification of food. They are especially important in ensuring food safety and security in a country as vast and diverse as India. From ensuring shelf-life in variable hot and humid climates to supporting sodium-reduction strategies through flavour modulators, additives serve both technological and public health purposes. Still, public wariness around food additives remains. A clear example is monosodium glutamate (MSG), which has faced more scrutiny than most. Recent scientific and regulatory evaluations conducted by authoritative bodies across the world, including Food Standards Australia New Zealand, European Commission, WHO, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and even Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have consistently affirmed its safety. Yet, legacy perceptions persist which feed certain warning labels. The time has now come to bring regulatory clarity to food additives such as MSG and re-establish public trust through evidence-based policymaking. MSG is a naturally derived sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid abundantly found in foods like tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese, and even human breast milk. It enhances flavor through the umami taste, helping make food more palatable, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly. It has been misrepresented as harmful for far too long, and it is essential to address this gap between perception and scientific reality. In India, food products containing MSG are still required to carry a warning label: 'Not Recommended for Infants and Pregnant Women.' While this requirement reflected the precautionary approach of its time, today's scientific landscape has evolved significantly. Comprehensive global reviews have reaffirmed the safety of MSG, including for sensitive populations, which is less than 1 per cent. As science progresses, policy must have the flexibility to evolve with it ,creating a balance between local relevance and global alignment, ensuring that regulations protect public health, support trade, and respect India's unique characteristics. Updating labelling practices in line with current evidence offers an opportunity not only to align with international standards, but also to strengthen consumer confidence and encourage innovation. This matters for public health. For example, MSG has the potential to support sodium reduction strategies. MSG contains only about 12 per cent sodium, compared to 39 per cent in table salt. Replacing salt partially with MSG in recipes can reduce overall sodium content by up to 30 per cent without sacrificing taste, which is a benefit recognised by the US Institute of Medicine and numerous public health experts. So, what can we do with this knowledge? As consumer awareness grows and food systems become more complex, our regulatory frameworks must evolve. A few principles can guide this shift: Existing models often assume worst-case scenarios of daily maximum consumption. Instead, the country needs an India--specific Food Additive Intake Model (FAIM), based on real dietary data, population groups (infants, elderly, pregnant women), and seasonal consumption. This would enable more realistic estimation of scenario on daily exposure as well as also less than life time, apart from chronic exposure, and may reduce excessive conservatism in identifying safety margin. Regulatory decisions must be communicated to the consumer with clarity, especially the difference between hazard (potential harm) and risk (likelihood of harm) in simple terms. Establishing interdisciplinary advisory councils and platforms for consumer-scientist dialogue can help demystify policies and enhance public trust. India's precautionary labeling laws, such as those on MSG, have not kept pace with recent development of science. As seen in the iron-fortified rice precedent, labels can be updated when evidence evolves. Doing so signals regulatory maturity and consumer respect. It's a collaborative and dynamic process, far from a mere legacy. The theme of World Food Safety Day 2025 reminds us, in the subject of MSG, the crucial role of scientific knowledge in ensuring food safety, from developing safe practices. Regulations must be proactive and forward-looking, not merely reactive. By embedding science into the policymaking process, and not just at the end, we can anticipate risks better and foster innovation responsibly. The goal is not to silence scrutiny, but to enable informed scrutiny. As India prepares to take greater leadership in global food policy, let us ensure our food additive regulations are not just robust, but also scientifically rational. In the case of food additives, that means recognizing the overwhelming scientific consensus, removing unnecessary warnings, and allowing science, not stigma to guide the way.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Better ambient air quality this year in Lucknow, yet not good enough, says IITR report
Though the city has observed better ambient air quality this year as compared to the previous year's pre-monsoon report, it continued to be above the permissible limits of NAAQS despite implementing air pollution control measures in the city such as enforcement of BS-VI compliant vehicles, and promotion of CNG and e-vehicles. This was highlighted in the 'Assessment of Ambient Air Quality of Lucknow City Pre-Monsoon 2025' report released by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR) on Wednesday. The particulate matter (PM) concentrations were observed from pre-monsoon 2024 to pre-monsoon 2025. The PM10 concentrations decreased by 9.8%, 14.6%, and 4.9% while PM2.5 concentrations declined by 13.6%, 17.2%, and 17.4% in residential, commercial, and industrial areas, respectively. However, they exceeded the NAAQS limits -- 100 for PM10 and 60 for PM2.5. The PM10 levels remained relatively stable at Aliganj and Vikas Nagar, while Indira Nagar and Gomti Nagar showed an increase in 2024, followed by a decline in 2025. In commercial areas, including Charbagh, the PM levels fluctuated over five years but declined in 2025 as compared to 2024. Overall, commercial areas exhibited a sharp increase in PM10 levels from 2021 to 2024, with a slight decrease in 2025, though values remained above the NAAQS limit. In the industrial area (Amausi), PM10 levels showed a variable trend, increasing from 2023 to a peak in 2024, followed by a slight decline in 2025. The PM2.5 levels remained consistently above the permissible limit in all locations, but commercial and industrial areas consistently recorded higher pollution levels as compared to residential areas. The PM10 concentration was the highest in Gomti Nagar (residential) and Charbagh (commercial), while the PM2.5 levels were the highest in Gomti Nagar (residential) and Chowk (commercial) areas. While both the pollutants can be harmful for health, CSIR-IITR director Bhaskar Narayan said that PM 2.5 can be severe as it can get mixed with the bloodstream. 'This downward trend suggests an overall improvement in air quality across all zones. The observed reduction in the concentration of particulate matter may be due to relatively moderate atmosphere dryness conditions during the 2025 sampling period, as compared to the completely dry seasons in 2024,' the report said. The night time noise level trend in residential areas decreased slightly over the years, except in Aliganj, where a marginal increase was observed. In commercial-cum-traffic areas, noise levels showed an increasing trend, except for Alambagh, which showed a decline. In industrial areas, night time noise levels slightly decreased as compared to the previous year.
