Bhubaneswar: A thick blanket of smog engulfed Bhubaneswar following Diwali celebrations as the air quality levels plummeted last evening, reducing visibility to 500 metres by 9.30 pm.

The air quality in the city plunged into the “severe” category, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 657 at 7 pm. ADVERTISEMENT

According to CPCB, the AQI in the state capital was at a ‘satisfactory’ 54 at 4 pm.

Areas like Rasulgarh, Baramunda and Patia were covered with firecracker smoke and rising particulates, making it difficult for commuters to drive safely as visibility on roads dropped to barely 20 metres. The AQI reportedly shot to 756 in Laxmisagar area as residents celebrated the festival with an intense display of fireworks, flouting pollution control norms and police restrictions.

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