New Delhi, November 7: Despite the restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court, Diwali was celebrated with intense fervour in all parts of the nation, including the Delhi-NCR -- which has been choked with hazardous air since the onset of November. In the national capital, "green fireworks" were witnessed, and only for the two hour period - 8pm-10pm - as mandated by the judiciary.

Children in most parts of Delhi, particularly in Ashok Vihar, Wazirpur, Mundka, Bawana and Jahangirpuri, wore face masks while stepping out to celebrate the festival of lights. The air quality index had was already classified as "very poor" earlier in the day, with the possibility of it turning into "severe plus emergency level" post the bursting of crackers. Firecracker Sales Drop 40 Per cent, Makers Seeks Policy From Centre.

The exact impact on the city’s air -- which would also be affected by the burning of crackers in bordering areas of Punjab and Haryana -- will be determined tomorrow morning.

With temperature predicted to dip overnight, experts claim that the condition could turn worse in early hours of Thursday with density of PM2.5 and PM10 particulates -- suspended due to the bursting of crackers -- increasing.

In a bid to minimise the AQI deterioration, the Delhi Police had launched a rigorous operation throughout the day, patrolling the areas of Sadar Bazaar, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, and Karol Bagh -- where firecrackers were expected to be sold by black marketeers.

Since the existing stock of the crackers were put off the shelves as per the apex court order, the police was kept on alert to prevent its illegal sale.

In the raids carried out by the police today, a total of 3,800 kg of firecrackers were seized in different parts of the city, whereas, 26 people were arrested for storing them.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 07, 2018 11:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).