Saurabh Bharadwaj alleges Delhi AQI data manipulation and seeks an independent probe into CM Rekha Gupta and Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa.
Delhi’s worsening air pollution has triggered a political controversy after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged manipulation of Air Quality Index (AQI) data. AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj has filed a complaint with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), demanding an independent investigation.
Water Spraying at Jahangirpuri Monitoring Station
Bharadwaj referred to a video shared on X on November 3, allegedly showing continuous water spraying at the air quality monitoring station in ITI Jahangirpuri. He claimed that water near the sensors could affect PM2.5 and PM10 readings, potentially showing lower pollution levels than the actual situation.
The AAP leader also alleged irregularities in the placement of monitoring stations across Delhi and demanded an audit of the entire monitoring system.
Probe Into CM Rekha Gupta and Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa
The complaint seeks an investigation into the alleged roles of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Bharadwaj claimed that such alleged interference requires examination at both administrative and political levels.
He has demanded an independent investigation, an audit of DPCC data collection systems, legal action against responsible officials and contractors, and a probe into the political leadership. He also offered to submit digital evidence and video recordings to the investigating agency.
The allegations have not yet been independently established.
also read:- Delhi Diwali Firecracker Rules 2026: Supreme Court Allows…
Delhi AQI Reaches 377 Despite Vehicle Restrictions
The controversy comes as Delhi continues to experience severe pollution. According to the figures cited in the report, the city’s average AQI reached 377 on November 4, while more than 22 monitoring stations recorded readings above 400.
Punjabi Bagh recorded an AQI of 458, IIT Delhi 457 and Jahangirpuri 452.
Delhi’s average AQI reportedly increased from 261 on November 1 to 377 on November 4, despite restrictions on the entry of BS4 and older vehicles from November 1, 2026.
Questions Over Pollution Control Measures
Former Delhi Transport Department Deputy Commissioner Anil Kumar Chhikara reportedly criticised the vehicle restrictions, calling the decision insufficiently studied. He argued that vehicle restrictions alone cannot solve the pollution crisis.
The Delhi AQI Manipulation Allegations have raised concerns about the reliability of pollution monitoring and the implementation of GRAP measures. If AQI readings are inaccurate, emergency restrictions could potentially be delayed.
With pollution levels rising ahead of Diwali, the demand for transparent monitoring, independent audits and effective action against all major pollution sources is growing.
For More Hindi News: http://newz24india.com