Bengaluru, Oct. 22 -- Bengaluru experienced significantly cleaner air on the second day of Deepavali this year, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) showing a marked improvement over previous years, according to the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). The board reported that the city's AQI was 98 per cent better compared to the same day during last year's Deepavali, and even 7 per cent lower than what is usually recorded on an average day in the city.

Despite the improvement in air quality, the celebration wasn't without environmental concerns. Noise pollution saw a noticeable uptick, with several areas in the city reporting higher decibel levels compared to the previous year, said a report by the Deccan Herald.

Monitoring stat...