CHENNAI: Air pollution levels in Chennai have increased sharply following Deepavali celebrations, with the city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 159, according to Daily Thanthi reports.
Deepavali is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Tamil Nadu, with people bursting firecrackers and exchanging sweets. In Chennai, residents began bursting crackers in several neighbourhoods on Wednesday, continuing the celebrations from early Thursday morning.
Despite rainfall, people burst firecrackers during breaks in the showers, particularly in the evening between 7 pm and 8 pm.
The celebrations have contributed to a rise in air pollution across the city. Royapuram recorded the highest AQI of 238, followed by Perungudi at 175, Manali at 168, Kodungaiyur at 166 and Arumbakkam at 165.
The city's average AQI has also increased significantly compared to the corresponding period last year. It stood at 56 on November 6 and 74 on November 7 last year, while this year it has reached 159.
The deteriorating air quality has caused concern, with residents facing discomfort due to increased pollution.