Delhi's Diwali Pollution Data Under Scrutiny Amid Missing PM2.5 Readings
Delhi's Diwali Pollution Data Under Scrutiny Amid Missing PM2.5 Readings
IN · Published Nov 14, 2026
• Delhi's air pollution levels during Diwali have come under scrutiny due to missing PM2.5 data from official records.
• BBC Verify found that 116 hourly PM2.5 readings above 1,000 µg/m³ were absent from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) records, despite being recorded by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

Impact & Risks

The exclusion of extreme PM2.5 readings from official records could lead to an underestimation of the health risks posed by severe pollution episodes. High PM2.5 levels are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, including asthma and heart attacks. Residents rely on accurate air quality data to make informed decisions about outdoor activities, and incomplete data may give a false sense of safety. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk during such pollution spikes.

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