Thu Dec 18 08:40:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

UP Government Dismisses Private Air Quality Apps as “Misleading” After Cricket Match Abandoned Due to Smog

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a strong warning against relying on air quality data from private applications circulating on social media, labeling them as “misleading.” This statement comes after the fourth T20I cricket match between India and South Africa in Lucknow was abandoned Wednesday evening due to heavy smog that severely reduced visibility at the Ekana Stadium.

While many private apps reported alarming air quality levels, the government insists that Lucknow’s Air Quality Index (AQI), as measured by official sources, stood at a moderate 174. Officials claim that the discrepancies arise from private apps using hyper-local, non-standardized data, often based on foreign benchmarks like the US Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) norms, which aren’t suited to Indian conditions.

The government emphasizes that official monitoring stations in Lucknow utilize certified and calibrated instruments, adhering to the National Air Quality Index (NAQI) standards for accurate assessments. In contrast, many private agencies rely on satellite data or uncalibrated sensors prone to errors, providing only momentary and localized spikes that don’t represent the overall air quality in the city.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) calculates the AQI based on a scientific assessment of the 24-hour average, offering a realistic and comprehensive view, while private apps may show temporary fluctuations caused by factors like dust, traffic, or isolated activities.

The cancellation of the cricket match has sparked widespread frustration among fans, some of whom had made significant financial sacrifices to attend. While the BCCI offers refunds for abandoned matches, many fans say it doesn’t compensate for the disappointment of missing the game. Questions are also being raised about the wisdom of scheduling night matches in Northern India during December, a period known for persistent fog.

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