New Delhi, Nov 16 (TIWN) The levels of air pollution during Diwali this year were found much higher as compared to the last year while a significant dip was found in noise pollution level, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed on Sunday.

In a special report, the CPCB said almost all pollutants reported higher values on Diwali day and pre-Diwali day this year as compared to 2019. "It is observed that if compared with 2019 pre-deepawali day (21.10.2019) concentrations of NO2, PM10 and PM2.5 were found to be much higher on pre-deepawali day (on 09.11.2020) at all the monitored locations, while SO2 concentrations were at similar level. On Deepawali day (14.11.2020), almost all the pollutants reported higher values as compared to 2019 Diwali day," the report stated. However, the report attributed its outcome to high share of stubble burning and meteorological conditions and perennial issue of deteriorated air quality during November in Delhi-NCR, not on account of fire-cracker bursting. Though Pitampura recorded an increase in PM and SO2 indicating impact of firecracker bursting on Deepawali day, it added.