Delhi pollution data during Diwali raises transparency concerns
• Delhi's air pollution spiked during Diwali, with PM2.5 levels exceeding 1,000 micrograms per cubic metre at some monitoring stations.
• However, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) excluded these extreme readings from its widely cited Air Quality Index (AQI), citing equipment calibration limits.
Impact & Risks
The exclusion of extreme PM2.5 readings from official AQI calculations may have left residents unaware of the full extent of pollution during Diwali. High levels of PM2.5 pose severe health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
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