From Indiatimes · Priyangi Agarwal · · 1m 50s
Delhi AQI Discrepancy on Diwali Night
Why Delhi's air quality apps showed 1,747 while CPCB reported 373 on Diwali.
In brief
Why Delhi's air quality apps showed 1,747 while CPCB reported 373 on Diwali. Delhi's Diwali air pollution peaked at 4,985 µg/m³ in Jahangirpuri but CPCB reported 373 AQI due to different measurement methods. Originally reported by Indiatimes.
Diwali AQI Discrepancy
Social media showed Delhi's AQI at 1,500-1,800 on Diwali night while CPCB reported below 400.
AQI Methodology Difference
India's AQI capped at 500 vs US system with no upper limit for pollution scores.
Jahangirpuri PM2.5 Spike
Hourly PM2.5 hit 4,985 µg/m³ at 6 pm and 8 pm on Diwali night.
PM2.5 Comparison
Jahangirpuri PM2.5 was 83 times national standard and 332 times WHO safe limit.
DPCC Revised Reading
DPCC later revised Jahangirpuri peak to 776 µg/m³ at Diwali midnight.
Citywide PM2.5 Spike
Most Delhi stations saw PM2.5 jump from 245 to 3,744 µg/m³ between Diwali and Monday.
PM10 Levels Surge
Punjabi Bagh recorded PM10 at 4,697 µg/m³, 47 times national standard.
Health Impact
Experts warn PM2.5 levels can trigger asthma attacks and worsen heart conditions.
CPCB Clarification
CPCB says other AQI figures aren't recognized for regulatory purposes.
Data Sources Difference
Private apps use low-cost sensors while CPCB uses government monitoring stations.
Averaging Periods
India uses 24-hour averages while US uses one-hour or eight-hour averages.
PM2.5 Health Risk
PM2.5 levels 450-550 µg/m³ can trigger asthma attacks in vulnerable groups.
Diwali Pollution Impact
Delhi's air pollution was already twice WHO safe limit before Diwali firecrackers.
CPCB's Official AQI
CPCB reports AQI below 400 while apps show 1,500-1,800 on Diwali night.
Why Readings Differ
Different methodologies, data sources, and averaging periods cause AQI discrepancies.
Diwali Pollution Spike
Firecrackers caused PM2.5 to spike 300x WHO safe limit in Delhi.
The takeaway
Delhi's Diwali air pollution peaked at 4,985 µg/m³ in Jahangirpuri but CPCB reported 373 AQI due to different measurement methods.
