Delhi releases missing Diwali night air quality data showing PM2.5 spike
Fine particulate matter levels reached 3,744 micrograms per cubic metre at one location, exceeding national standards by over 60 times.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) released missing air quality data on Monday, revealing that PM2.5 concentrations reached 3,744 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) at one monitoring station during Diwali night. According to reports from The New Indian Express and Hindustan Times, these levels were more than 60 times the national 24-hour standard of 60 µg/m³.
The highest concentration was recorded in Mundka at 2 am, followed by Jawaharlal Nehru University at 3,023 µg/m³ at 4 am and NSUT West Campus at 3,008 µg/m³ at 5 am. Other areas including Mandir Marg, Nehru Nagar, and Wazirpur also saw concentrations surpass 2,000 µg/m³. All 125 station-hour readings that were absent from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) records were above 1,000 µg/m³ in the DPCC data.
The release follows concerns regarding data gaps during peak smog hours. An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) noted that more than 20 stations failed to report data between midnight and 2 am. A government official attributed the gaps to technical glitches but stated that all 43 stations are currently providing data.
Political leaders have contested the accuracy of the readings. Aam Aadmi Party president Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the government manipulated data by shutting down stations and installing new ones in green areas. Conversely, the BJP accused the Aam Aadmi Party of a conspiracy to keep pollution high by encouraging stubble burning in Punjab.