Bhubaneswar, Nov. 9 -- Air pollution levels have increased across Odisha following Diwali celebrations on Sunday. The highest AQI of 288 was recorded at Keonjhar's Bileipada, followed by 266 in Talcher and 207 in Bhubaneswar. All three locations have fallen under the 'poor' air quality category.

According to reports, several areas of the state capital have also reported elevated pollution levels. The AQI at the Lingaraj Temple monitoring station stood at 242, while Patia recorded 171 PM2.5 and PM10 levels in the Lingaraj area touched 500 last night.

Meanwhile, air quality in Cuttack, Baripada, Balasore and Barbil also remained in the 'moderate' category.

The rising pollution levels following Diwali have triggered concerns over the heal...