The air pollution on Diwali night registered a marginal fall as compared to last year in Panchkula, but the level of sulphur dioxide recorded a considerable increase, indicating more use of crackers having a high content of the harmful gas.

Data collected by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) showed that the air pollution -- suspended particulate matter (SPM) -- recorded this year was 514.67 micrograms per cubic metre (mpcm), while last year it was 600 mpcm, but the peak value of the harmful sulphur dioxide in the air increased from 66 mpcm to 99.69 mpcm on Diwali night.