New Delhi: This Children’s Day on Wednesday would witness the extreme pollution day of this year, scientists from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune and Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast on Tuesday.
“After the first extreme pollution day November 9, Delhi will witness a more severe pollution day Wednesday,” said a statement issued here by SAFAR (System of Air quality Forecasting and Research).
Scientists from Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune and IMD have predicted that pollution from firecrackers this Diwali (November 13) would be about 10 percent less than last year.
According to SAFAR, the level of particles — which pose the largest health risk — would start to build-up rapidly from the midnight November 14 and would continue to rise till November 15 early morning before retreating.
Diwali lights up India: Meanwhile, earthen diyas dotted houses and fireworks illuminated the evening sky as people celebrated Diwali decorating their homes with colourful rangolis and twinkling electric bulbs and also exchanging sweets.
As excitement gripped the country, tragedy struck a family in Uttar Pradesh’s Auraiya district when six of its members and two others died in an explosion in a house where fire crackers were manufactured illegally.
There was bonhomie between Indian and Pakistani guards at border posts as they exchanged sweets and gifts in the morning. It was fun and frolic for children and youth as they burst crackers and lit fireworks while families visited their neighbours, exchanged ‘Happy Diwali’ greetings .
Youngsters also took the route of SMS and social networking websites to wish each other. (Agencies)
