LUCKNOW, Dec. 3 -- Lucknow's air quality fell back into the 'poor' category on Wednesday, ending a week of moderate pollution, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 201, marking the first decline this month.

The last time the city saw 'poor' air was on November 25, with an AQI of 219. Daily readings had remained in the 'moderate' range since then, offering brief relief after weeks of severe pollution in early winter.

JP Maurya, regional officer, UPPCB, Lucknow, attributed the sudden deterioration to low wind speeds, increased local emissions, and winter inversion layers that trap pollutants near the ground. "With temperatures dropping, dispersal becomes weaker, allowing ...