Delhi AQI Nears ‘Severe Plus’ Levels; Social Media Buzzes With Claims

Delhi’s air quality continues to deteriorate, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) nearing ‘Severe plus’ levels, even as the highest anti-pollution measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) took effect on Monday morning. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI stood at 500 at 6 pm.

Confusion Over AQI on Social Media

Despite the official data, social media has been abuzz with alarming claims of AQI levels reaching 900, 1000, or even 1500. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued an official notification urging the public to rely only on authorized sources like the SAMEER App or the CPCB’s official website for accurate AQI readings.

“For accurate and reliable AQI data, we kindly request you to refer only to the SAMEER App or the CPCB Official Website. These are the authorized platforms for relaying the air quality index. 

Please avoid relying on unofficial or unreliable sources to ensure that correct information is alone disseminated to the public.” The notification stated. 

One user on her social media account wrote “Delhi chokes on stubble smoke and urban pollutants as the AQI reaches 800-1300 level.

 

Slight relief expected from tomorrow!

 

Shame on everyone including you and me that we cannot fix this despite being the largest democracy!”

 

Another user wrote, “Interesting bit is that per international sources Indian govt. has started to fudge the AQI numbers as well. For example. the US embassy 3 hours ago through thru system reported AQI well above 1100”.

 

A screenshot supposedly from the US Embassy, indicating an AQI of 1374, is circulating online and gaining retweets, though the authenticity of the screenshot remains unverified.