Delhi air quality deteriorates after Diwali as political row erupts
Air pollution levels in the capital rose sharply following Diwali celebrations, sparking a dispute between the BJP and AAP over Punjab stubble burning.
Delhi experienced a thick blanket of smoke on Monday, the day after Diwali, as air quality deteriorated across the capital. According to The Pioneer, one report placed the average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 1,713 at 2 am, while the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an AQI of 370 at 9.05 am.
The deterioration followed firecracker use on Sunday evening despite restrictions. In the National Capital Region, Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 371, Noida 338, Faridabad 323, and Gurugram 309. The Air Quality Early Warning System forecast that Delhi would enter the severe category on November 9.
The pollution crisis has triggered a political exchange between the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra claimed satellite data showed farm-fire incidents in Punjab rose from approximately 125 on November 7 to around 1,200 on Diwali evening. Mishra alleged that individuals set crop residue on fire while farmers were celebrating at home, calling it a conspiracy.
AAP media in-charge Baltej Pannu rejected these allegations, stating that the BJP is targeting Punjab farmers to divert attention from administrative failures in Delhi. Pannu claimed Punjab has achieved nearly 90 per cent control over stubble burning incidents this year.
Punjab AAP minister Harpal Singh Cheema also accused the BJP of attempting to defame Punjab and its farmers. Punjab recorded 1,152 active stubble-burning incidents on November 8, which was the highest single-day count this season.