Delhi AQI data varies, raising questions over pollution relief claims
New Delhi: Different figures for Delhi’s air quality appeared on different government dashboards on November 12. At one point, the Delhi government’s air quality portal recorded the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 176, which falls in the moderate category. Meanwhile, on the dashboard of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), based on Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi’s average AQI at 5 a.m. was 317, which is classified as very poor.
According to the Delhi government portal, at the level of 176, the air quality was in the moderate category. In this category, some sensitive people may experience breathing-related discomfort. On the other hand, CAQM data indicates that pollution levels remain quite high in several areas of the capital.
Meanwhile, the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is in force to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Measures under this stage include restrictions on construction and demolition activities, steps to control road dust, and monitoring of vehicular pollution.
In view of the varying AQI figures, it is necessary to clarify at what time and from which monitoring source the figure of 181 was taken. On the basis of the government data currently available, any claim of broad relief from pollution in Delhi should be made with caution.
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