As winter sets in, Lucknow's air quality has plummeted to the 'Poor' category, according to fresh data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The traffic congestion caused by the festive season shopping rush, garbage burning, and dipping temperatures in low wind speed, have been identified as the major causal factors behind it.

Lucknow's AQI level was recorded at 202 on Wednesday while it has reached 228 in some areas like Lalbagh today. Environmentalists have called for swift measures like water sprinkling and prohibiting garbage burning as the city prepares for Diwali festivities.