India, Nov. 9 -- Air pollution in Bhubaneswar reached an alarming level on Diwali night as firecrackers pushed the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) to an unprecedented 1,444 on Sunday night.

According to data available on AQI.in, the city's AQI peaked at 1,444 around 11 pm, placing it in the extremely hazardous category and raising serious concerns over public health.

The pollution level began rising sharply after firecracker celebrations started in the evening. At 7 pm, Bhubaneswar's AQI stood at 258. However, it surged to 859 by 8.30 pm and crossed the 1,000 mark, reaching 1,091 at 9 pm.

The situation worsened further, with the AQI touching its highest level of 1,444 at 11 pm. It subsequently declined to 1,345 at 11.30 pm, 1,080 at mi...