Tiruchirappalli, Nov. 9 -- Air pollution increased in several parts of Tiruchirappalli as firecrackers continued to be burst beyond the permitted hours during Diwali celebrations, leaving multiple areas blanketed in thick smoke.

Diwali was celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country and around the world on Sunday. Amid concerns over rising air pollution, restrictions were imposed on bursting firecrackers during the festival.

In Tamil Nadu, people have been permitted to burst firecrackers only for two hours, from 6 am to 7 am and from 7 pm to 8 pm.

However, firecrackers and sparklers continued to be burst beyond the permitted hours, leading to a noticeable deterioration in air quality across several parts of Tiruchirappalli.

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