AQI Crosses 3,000 on Diwali? AAP Accuses Delhi Government of Manipulating Pollution Data

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the BJP-led Delhi government of manipulating air quality data, with party leader Saurabh Bhardwaj claiming that the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 3,000 at several locations in the national capital on Diwali night.

Citing readings from multiple independent air quality monitoring platforms, Bhardwaj alleged that the official figures understated the actual pollution levels and accused the government of misleading residents about the severity of the situation.

Taking to X, Bhardwaj wrote, "AQI 3000 paar. Full credit to these brothers who raised pollution beyond 3000."

In two videos shared on the social media platform, the AAP leader questioned the government's pollution monitoring arrangements and claimed that readings at several locations were significantly higher than the officially reported figures.

He also alleged that around 20 new AQI monitoring stations had been installed in relatively green and distant areas of Delhi. Additionally, he claimed that water was being sprayed around existing monitoring stations in more polluted areas to lower the recorded readings.

Bhardwaj further accused the government of manipulating pollution data instead of acknowledging the worsening air quality.

"Govt is doing AQI Data Fraud. When Pollution data is shown less than actual data, it can lead to very serious situations - heart attacks, asthma attacks, respiratory failure, and even worse," he said in another post.

He also raised concerns over the potential health consequences of deteriorating air quality, particularly for children, elderly people and those suffering from respiratory ailments.

WHAT CPCB DATA SHOWS

However, the AQI figures cited by Bhardwaj came from independent air quality monitoring platforms and do not correspond to the official data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). India Today said the readings shown in the videos had not been independently verified.

According to CPCB data, Delhi recorded an average AQI of 376 on Diwali, November 8, placing the city in the 'very poor' category.

Despite the difference in reported figures, the official data also indicated concerning pollution levels. Of Delhi's 59 air quality monitoring stations, 19 were in the 'severe' category at 7 pm on Sunday, while 33 recorded 'very poor' air quality and seven fell in the 'poor' category.

Jahangirpuri recorded the highest AQI among the stations, at 460.

Separately, data from independent monitoring platform AQI.in showed that Delhi's AQI peaked at 1,331 at 1.31 am on November 9. This was a real-time reading from the platform and should be distinguished from the official CPCB figures.

The contrasting readings have brought renewed attention to Delhi's air pollution monitoring system and the challenges of assessing pollution levels across the national capital.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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