The pollution level, this Deepavali, was also less compared to the festival of lights, last year, according to the ambient air quality report released by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) on Tuesday.

According to the report, the measured Particulate Matter (PM), also known as Repairable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM), had decreased by 26 per cent at seven places during the three days of Deepavali, festivities (November 10- 12) compared to normal days (Nov 5 and 6). These locations are Amco Batteries on Mysuru Road, Central Silk Board, Export Promotion Industrial Area in Whitefield, KHB Industrial area in Yelahanka, Yeshwanthpur Police Station and City Railway Station.

However, there was 85 per cent increase in PM-10 levels in six locations during the festival days. They are - CAAQM SG Halli, Fortis Hospital in Nagarbhavi 2nd stage, DTDC Cargo House on Victoria Road, Victoria Hospital in KR Market, Madhachari’s house in Khaji Sonnenahalli and Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (near Nimhans).

The measured sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) values were within limits during normal days (Nov 5 and 6). And on the three days of Deepavali, festivities the SO2 and NO2 values measured within 80ug/M3.

Compared to 2014 Deepavali, this year, the PM-10 levels had decreased by 42 per cent at ten locations - Export Promotion Industrial Park in ITPL Whitefield, Peenya Industrial Area, Amco Batteries on Mysuru Road, Yeshwanthpur Industrial Area, DTDC Cargo House on Victoria Road, Central Silk Board, CAAQMS at SG Halli, Victoria Hospital, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (near Nimhans) and Fortis Hospital in Nagarbhavi 2nd Stage.

The reduced PM-10 levels, according to KSPCB officials, is attributed to the fact that unrelenting rains prevented many residents from bursting firecrackers.

However there was an increase in PM-10 levels by 43.5 per cent at KHB industrial Area in Yelahanka and Khaji Sonnenahalli.