Bulandshahr, Dec. 13 -- Several cities across Uttar Pradesh woke up to thick smog on Saturday morning, with air quality deteriorating in different areas of the state.

A dense layer of fog covered Bulandshahr, where people were seen taking refuge around bonfires to keep themselves warm. Ayodhya was also enveloped in thick smog, leading to reduced visibility in the city. Mainpuri was also covered by a thick haze of toxic smog.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several areas in Noida recorded severe air quality, with Noida Sector 125 and Noida Sector 116 both registering an AQI of 448 at 9 am. The state capital, Lucknow, slightly better than other areas, recorded an AQI of 242, placing it in the 'poor' category.

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