New Delhi, Oct. 22 -- Delhi's air quality index (AQI) plummeted to its worst levels in the last five years post-Diwali on Tuesday morning, following Diwali celebrations.

The post-Diwali PM 2.5 average was recorded at 488 µg/m³, representing a 212% increase from pre-Diwali levels, according to an analysis by Climate Trends, a research organisation focused on environmental and climate change.

Even on Wednesday, the national capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 345, which is 'very poor category', according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

And this despite a 77 per cent plunge in stubble burning incidents this October due to unprecedented floods in Punjab and Haryana, the report says. The findings suggest ...