Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi president Saurabh Bhardwaj has questioned the accuracy of the national capital's air quality readings, alleging that the reported Air Quality Index (AQI) may not reflect the actual pollution levels.

Bhardwaj claimed that while the government was reporting an AQI of around 350, the actual level could be above 500. He alleged that measures taken near air quality monitoring stations could affect readings and called for action by the relevant authorities.

Bhardwaj Raises Questions Over AQI Monitoring

According to Bhardwaj, water had previously been sprayed near AQI monitoring stations, which he alleged could manipulate recorded readings. He said his party had presented evidence of the practice during an earlier instance.

However, the allegations were not independently verified in the statement, and no supporting technical assessment was provided to establish whether the reported AQI measurements had been affected.

AQI readings are used to communicate the severity of air pollution and the associated health risks. Questions about monitoring accuracy can therefore have significant implications for public awareness and pollution-control measures.

AAP Seeks Action From CAQM and CPCB

Bhardwaj said he had written to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), seeking action over the alleged irregularities.

He called for an examination of the monitoring process and accountability if any manipulation was established. He also demanded that Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa be held legally accountable, should evidence support the allegations.

Bhardwaj warned that AAP could approach the court if necessary.

Health Concerns Amid Delhi's Pollution Crisis

Bhardwaj argued that inaccurate pollution readings could put Delhi residents at risk, particularly people with respiratory and heart conditions. He said an inaccurate representation of air quality could undermine public understanding of pollution levels and the urgency of protective measures.

Air pollution can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups. Reliable monitoring and transparent reporting are important for informing residents and guiding authorities' responses.

Allegations Await Independent Verification

Bhardwaj's remarks have raised questions about the accuracy of Delhi's reported AQI figures and the safeguards surrounding monitoring stations. The claims regarding deliberate manipulation, however, would need to be assessed through independent technical checks and official findings.

The responses of the CAQM, CPCB, Delhi government and the ministers named in the allegations were not included in the statement provided.