LUCKNOW, Nov. 17 -- : The air quality in the heart of the state capital deteriorated sharply on Sunday, with the Lalbagh monitoring station, which covers key pockets such as Hazratganj, Vidhan Sabha Marg, Mall Avenue, Qaiserbagh, Aminabad, and adjoining residential belts, recording a "very poor" air quality index (AQI) of 333, the highest in the city this season.

The central zone, which houses major government offices, administrative headquarters, commercial complexes, courts, markets and several leading schools, emerged as the most polluted part of Lucknow. Morning walkers, who frequent parks and stretches around Lalbagh and Hazratganj, also reported breathing discomfort as particulate levels spiked.

The surge pushed the city's overall...