At peak of air pollution on Deepavali night, data goes missing at several govt monitoring stations in Delhi
“When the hourly PM2.5 data is missing, it will artificially lower the Air Quality Index (AQI), showing better air quality, when the actual air quality is worse,” Manoj Kumar, analyst, Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said
During the peak pollution hours of Deepavali night, several government-managed air quality monitoring stations in Delhi experienced data gaps, leading to concerns about the true extent of pollution levels. Air quality readings from multiple stations went blank for several hours, sparking criticism over the accuracy of reported pollution data.
According to websites of Delhi's Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), PM2.5 (fine inhalable particles) data was not recorded for extended periods at multiple monitoring locations including Anand Vihar, Patparganj, and Bawana. PM2.5 particles can penetrate lungs and bloodstream, causing respiratory and other health issues.
Experts warn that missing hourly PM2.5 data can artificially lower the Air Quality Index (AQI), giving a false sense of improved air quality when the reality is worse. Kapil Mishra, a Delhi Labour Minister, promised to investigate the issue within an hour and update the public. However, the AAP and Congress parties accused the BJP government of "data fraud," alleging a "conspiracy" by the AAP-led Punjab government to set fire to stubble as a cover-up.
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