Delhi recorded its best air quality on Diwali in the last eight years on Sunday, reports news agency PTI. However, the pollution level may rise due to firecrackers and low night temperatures. The national capital experienced clear skies and sunshine; besides, the city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 218 at 4 p.m., the best in at least three weeks.

Last year, Delhi recorded an AQI of 312 on Diwali, 382 in 2021, 414 in 2020, 337 in 2019, 281 in 2018, 319 in 2017, and 431 in 2016, according to Central Pollution Control Board data, reports news agency PTI.

The Air Quality between zero and 50 is considered  'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', 401 and 450 'severe' and above 450 'severe plus'.

The air quality in the national capital sharply improved ahead of Diwali this year. The improvement can be mostly credited to the rainfall on Friday and the wind speed that favoured the dispersion of pollutants.

A western disturbance brought rain over most parts of northwest India, including in states like Punjab and Haryana. The IMD also predicted that once the western disturbance passed, the wind speed would increase to around 15 kilometres an hour on Saturday, which would help disperse the pollutants ahead of Diwali.

Earlier, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said that due to strong winds, the pollution coming from other states is dispersing from the national capital, bringing down the Air Quality Index. The Delhi Minister also advised the citizens to follow the advisory issued by the AAP government ahead of Diwali.

"An advisory was given to all the North Indian states from the Central government. We have also released an advisory so that elderly people and children are exposed to less pollution... For now one should avoid walks, as the level of pollution is higher during that time... At present, strong wind is blowing in Delhi, which is a good thing as pollution coming from other states is dispersing from Delhi and AQI is reducing," Bharadwaj said while speaking to ANI.

(With input from agencies)