Pollution levels were higher in Delhi this Diwali as compared to last year and it could be attributed to bursting of firecrackers, higher share of stubble burning and unfavourable meteorology during the festival season, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. In a special report, the apex pollution watchdog said almost all pollutants reported higher values on Diwali this year as compared to 2019.

"Pitampura recorded an increase in PM and SO2 indicating impact of firecracker bursting on Diwali day," it said. As observed from real-time monitoring network, the hourly average concentration of PM2.5 started increasing from 11 pm on Sunday.