Indore registered maximum air pollution in the state this year, although it had lesser pollution levels this Diwali as compared to that in 2015, data released by MP pollution control board (MPPCB) said.

Commercial and silent zones such as Kothari market and MIG recorded less air pollution than residential areas such as Vijaynagar. In residential areas, MPPCB registered 246.8 microgram per cubic-meter, which is 5% higher when compared to 234.3 microgram per cubic-meter last year.

The average level of PM10 (particulate matter-10), SO2 (sulphur dioxide) and NOx (nitrous oxide) this year is lower than that of previous year in Indore. The level of PM10 is highest among other toxic agents.

Among other cities like Bhopal, Dhar and Ujjain, Indore is leading the chart in air pollution.

Noise pollution levels in Indore remained high with minimum of 35.8 decibels and maximum 115.5 decibels, making an average of 78 decibels in commercial areas, an 8% decline from that in 2015.

“There has been a slight increase in noise levels in Bhopal, Guna, Gwalior and Sagar. Noise level has decreased in other cities. This may be due to comparatively low burning of noisy fire crackers and increase in awareness,” said MPPCB officials.

Residential and silent areas in Indore did not register significant decline in noise pollution. Bhopal recorded a slight rise with an average of 7 decibels rise in noise pollution at commercial, residential and silent zones.

On the other hand, Guna led the noise pollution chart with a 34.9% increase with 96.1 decibels in commercial areas and a 37.5% increase in residential areas of Dewas as compared to normal days.

The pollution level of most of the cities in the state is less than that of the previous year. Air pollution records were taken from 6 am on October 30 on the occasion of Diwali till 6 am of October 31. Noise pollution levels were measured from 6 pm to October 31 midnight.