India, Nov. 25 -- Ghaziabad's air quality index (AQI) dipped from "severe" to the higher end of the "very poor" category on Monday, settling at 396 after eight consecutive days of hazardous pollution, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. PM10 and PM2.5 continued to be the primary pollutants.

CPCB figures showed Hapur as the most polluted city on Monday with an AQI of 416 in the "severe" band. Noida ranked second with 397, followed closely by Ghaziabad at 396. Greater Noida and Delhi were jointly placed fourth, each recording an AQI of 382.

Between November 16 and 23, Ghaziabad recorded "severe" AQI levels of 419, 401, 434, 422, 430, 422, 434, and 437, making it the most polluted city in the country during this perio...