India, Nov. 8 -- LUCKNOW Authorities' promises to combat air pollution in Lucknow have yielded negligible results as Lucknow's air remains bad enough to give breathing discomfort and the water sprinkling drives being limited to areas where air quality monitoring stations are situated.

According to Friday's report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Lucknow's air quality index (AQI) stood at 149, placing it in the 'moderate' category with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant.

PM 2.5 refers to the fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. Due to its microscopic size, it can be inhaled deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, leading to health conditions. PM2.5 can make people with lung and heart ...