Delhi's air 'cleaner' for Diwali this year

Air quality in India's capital city during this year's Diwali celebrations was better than it was last year, according to a regulating body.

The Central Pollution Control Board released statistics which show that there were noticeably less pollutants in the air during this year's celebrations, compared to 2007.

It found that this year, the air pollution rate stood at 323 micrograms per cubic metre, compared to 670 during last year's event.

Contributing to this was a reduction in the number of fireworks set off, as well as economic worries and greater greener awareness, reported The Times of India.

According to the newspaper, fewer licenses to sell fireworks were granted this year due to tighter regulations outlined by the Delhi police.

The festival of light, or Diwali, is the most popular celebration in South Asia and stretches over a period of five days.