India, Oct. 15 -- Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category for a second straight day on Wednesday, deteriorating marginally in the last 24 hours, even as the Supreme Court allowed bursting of 'green firecrackers' for Diwali from October 18-21.

The average air quality index (AQI) stood at 213 (poor) at 11am, a marginal rise from Tuesday's 4pm reading of 211 (poor), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.

The city recorded its first 'poor' air quality day of the season on Tuesday, also the first in Delhi since the pre-monsoon period, when Delhi recorded a poor air day on June 11 (245). The spike in AQI - over 200 - also prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas to hold an e...