India, Oct. 25 -- Post-monsoon showers this year are keeping air pollution in check, curbing the usual spike during Diwali, when firecrackers release a surge of particulate matter and smoke into the air. Slightly more frequent than usual, the showers are a timely blessing.

After light showers in Mumbai, Kalyan and Thane on Friday evening, the Air Quality Index (AQI) registered 75 (satisfactory), three days after it peaked at 211 (poor) on October 21.

In just one hour, between 8pm and 9pm, Byculla and Wadala logged 64mm and 62mm of rainfall, respectively. Grant Road recorded 55mm and Sewri 54mm, according to data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The western and eastern suburbs experienced only a light drizzle.

"This ye...