Traditional Diwali celebrations of bursting firecrackers has increased the pollution level manifold in various parts of the country, with particulate matter content in the air registered at five-six times higher than the permissible limit. Air quality plunged to a "severe" level in Delhi, Lucknow and Muzaffarpur following the Diwali celebrations, reported Press Trust of India on Thursday.

According to the National Air Quality Index provided by the Central Pollution Control Board in ten cities, the air quality was rated "very poor" in Agra, Kanpur, Pune, Patna and Faridabad. Hyderabad and Chandrapur in Maharashtra also recorded "poor" air quality.

While "severe" air quality adversely affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with diseases, "very poor" air quality can cause serious respiratory ramifications on prolonged exposure.

The Centre for Science and Environment said, "Toxic fumes from crackers will deposit deadly chemicals in our environment that will remain trapped for days."

Since 2010, the average Diwali peak pollution levels have hit ten times the standard levels, exhibiting very rapid pollution build-up.