India, Oct. 23 -- Air quality index hit 'severe' levels despite claims that 'green' fireworks reduce pollution

Weather played no role in the spike, say meteorologists

Noise and air quality norms flouted across hospitals and neighbourhoods

Experts call for Supreme Court rethink as pollution control board cites 'indiscriminate' firecracker use

Kolkata's air pollution soared to 'severe' levels on Diwali night despite the supposed use of 'green fireworks', allowed by the Supreme Court of India to cut firework-related pollution. Data showed the city's air quality deteriorated sharply to 'severe' close to midnight, even though weather conditions remained stable, ruling out meteorological factors as a cause.

According to figures accessed by...