India, Feb. 24 -- The smaller and upcoming cities were the pollution hotspots

North Indian cities were over three times more polluted this winter than the average of South Indian cities, found an analysis by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

A Delhi-based non-profit, CSE extensively analysed real-time data from cities in different regions to throw light on the difference between 2020-21 winter and the previous winters.

The top 23 polluted cities were in North India, the analysis of 99 cities found.

Uttar Pradesh had eight cities in the top 10 which were most polluted this winter, with Ghaziabad and Bulandshahr topping the list. Delhi occupied the fifth position. Bhiwandi in Rajasthan was at number 10.

Mysuru is the least poll...