NOIDA/GHAZIABAD, Oct. 23 -- The festive glow of Diwali left behind a different mark this year in Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad - one of smoke, noise, and choking air. Data collected by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) from monitoring stations across the three towns showed massive spikes in noise pollution on Diwali night, pointing to widespread use of firecrackers despite restrictions. Simultaneously, air quality continued to remain in the "very poor" category for the second straight day after the festival.

In Noida, UPPCB recorded a steady year-on-year increase in noise levels across key areas. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) meanwhile reported that the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Noida, Greater Noida, ...