LUCKNOW, Dec. 14 -- The state capital continued to choke as its air quality index (AQI) remained in the 'poor' category for the third consecutive day on Saturday, making this spell the longest this season.

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Lucknow recorded an overall AQI of 230 on Saturday, marginally better than Friday's 232 and Thursday's 237.

The air quality data from all six monitoring stations in the city pointed to sustained pollution levels, with alarming spikes in particulate matter especially during late-night and early-morning hours.

At the B R Ambedkar University monitoring station, the AQI was recorded at 203. Gomti Nagar reported an AQI of 201, but pollution levels were far more severe during mornin...