Delhi pollution mystery: 36 monitoring stations 'go offline' as smoke engulfs capital
Delhi experienced its most polluted Diwali in five years, but data gaps from official monitoring stations have sparked controversy. Experts and private agencies suggest actual pollution levels were significantly higher than government reports indicated.
Why it matters
The failure of public infrastructure during a health crisis raises concerns about government accountability and the reliability of environmental data in major urban centers.
NEW DELHI: Delhi recorded its most polluted Diwali in five years, with the average air quality index (AQI) reaching 376. However, actual pollution levels may have been considerably higher than official figures suggested, as several monitoring stations stopped reporting data during peak firecracker hours on Sunday night.According to data released by private monitoring agencies, pollution levels across Delhi-NCR were significantly higher than those reported by government agencies. Several areas recorded extremely hazardous air quality, raising questions about the accuracy of official data and the functioning of the monitoring network.Experts tracking pollution levels said several stations failed to provide readings during the most critical hours of Diwali night.
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