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Firecracker ban defiance makes New Delhi the world's most contaminated city

New Delhi topped charts on Friday as the world's most contaminated city after revellers defying a ban on firecrackers to commemorate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, helped drive air quality to hazardous levels.

Thick smog wreathed the Indian capital, shrouding the presidential palace in the main district and the surrounding gardens popular with joggers and bicyclists, after Thursday's. events.

The air quality index stood at 348, said Swiss firm IQ Air,. taking contamination into the hazardous classification, pushing Delhi to. the top of a real-time list as the world's most polluted city.

City government authorities have actually banned use of firecrackers. during Diwali and the winter season over the last couple of years, in line. with Supreme Court instructions, however have had problem enforcing. the step in spite of the risk of jail.

Some Hindu groups say the restriction disrupts observance of. the festival, a position the Delhi government has formerly. countered by saying the restriction intends to save lives.

Friday's smog also accompanied waste burning on farms in. northern India that exacerbates air quality at the start of. winter season each year as cold, heavy air traps contaminants from a. variety of sources.

(source: Reuters)