India, Oct. 22 -- A day after Diwali, the air in Gautam Budh Nagar continued to remain toxic, showing no significant improvement despite a visible decline in festive fireworks.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI on Tuesday stood at 320 in Noida and 282 in Greater Noida. Data from the past two days revealed little change - Noida's AQI was 325 on Monday and 320 on Sunday, while Greater Noida recorded 282 and 287, respectively. The district's air had already turned foul even before the first sparkler was lit.

The comparison with past years only highlighted the decline. In 2023, the AQI on Diwali day (November 12) was 189 in Noida and 165 in Greater Noida-both "moderate."

Last year's readings were higher but s...