UP cities' air quality turns toxic

Lucknow, Nov 9 : After the deadly smog incident in Delhi, the hazardous weather conditions have hit the state of Uttar Pradesh with various cities recording dangerously poor air quality, an official said on Thursday.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Noida has been noted as the worst in the state in the past 24-hours.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a health warning for children, senior citizens and people with respiratory issues, asking them to avoid morning walks and stay indoors.

The air quality in the state capital is worst in Lalbagh where the average AQI is 463, which was very close to that in Noida in the last 24-hours, an official told IANS.

Following this, on the lines of Delhi, the district administration in Noida has ordered closure of all schools from nursery to Class 8 till November 10.

The AQI in Moradabad is 439, Noida (469), Lucknow (430), Agra (394) and Ghaziabad (372).

Due to the smog that has descended on most parts of the state, as many as 17 persons have been killed in road accidents across the state in the last 24 hours, police said.