India, Oct. 17 -- The air quality index (AQI) took a sharp plunge in the national capital region and adjoining areas days ahead of Diwali with Ghaziabad recording AQI in 'very poor' category.

Delhi recorded an index as high as 254 (poor) on the AQI scale, the data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed.

Delhi-NCR and its adjoining areas made it to the list of the cities with the worst air quality today as they logged quite high on the AQI scale. While the AQI in Ghaziabad was recorded at 306 (very poor), it was 278 (very poor) in Manesar, Noida and Rohtak and Hanumangarh and 266 (poor) in Gurugram.

Meanwhile, Hapur saw an AQI of 265 (poor) in, Ballabhgarh 254 (poor), Greater Noida 246 (poor) and Faridabad 105 (moderate)....