Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Anurag Dhanda has accused the Delhi government of focusing on the management of Air Quality Index (AQI) figures rather than taking effective measures to tackle air pollution in the national capital. Raising questions over pollution monitoring and enforcement, Dhanda alleged that monitoring stations were shut on Diwali night and that measures at pollution hotspots were being used to influence the reported air quality figures.
In a post on X, Dhanda questioned the functioning of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), alleging that the institution was being politicised. He asked how Delhi residents could expect clean air if agencies responsible for monitoring and controlling pollution failed to address the problem effectively.
AAP Anurag Dhanda Raises Questions Over AQI Monitoring
The remarks followed an AAP protest outside the CAQM office on November 11. The party alleged that AQI monitoring stations had been closed on Diwali night in the previous year and raised similar concerns about monitoring arrangements during this year’s celebrations.
Dhanda also questioned the reported use of water sprinkling at pollution hotspots, suggesting that such measures could affect the AQI readings without addressing the underlying sources of pollution. These allegations formed part of AAP’s broader criticism of the Delhi government’s handling of the city’s air-quality situation.
CAQM Assures Action on Monitoring Concerns
According to a PTI report, an AAP delegation led by Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj met CAQM officials on November 11 and raised concerns over water sprinkling near monitoring stations, alleged data blackouts and the location of certain monitoring stations. Bharadwaj said the commission termed water sprinkling near monitoring stations inappropriate and assured the party that the matter would be taken up with senior Delhi government officials. He also said the commission had indicated that CPCB equipment would be replaced to address data blackouts.
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