# Delhi AQI Discrepancy on Diwali Night

> Why Delhi's air quality apps showed 1,747 while CPCB reported 373 on Diwali.
- Title: Delhi AQI Discrepancy on Diwali Night · Indiatimes | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: delhi, aqi, diwali, pm2.5, central pollution control board, air quality index, firecrackers, delhi pollution, india, aqi methodology, Indiatimes
- Source: Indiatimes — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/373-or-1747-what-was-delhis-actual-aqi-on-diwali-and-why-did-readings-differ/articleshow/135704178.cms
- Author: Priyangi Agarwal
- Published: 2026-11-10T09:58:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: delhi, aqi, diwali, pm2.5, central pollution control board, air quality index, firecrackers, delhi pollution, india, aqi methodology, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Delhi's Diwali air pollution peaked at 4,985 µg/m³ in Jahangirpuri but CPCB reported 373 AQI due to different measurement methods.