Delhi's Air Quality Crisis: Political Blame Game Takes Center Stage

In the wake of Diwali, Delhi's air quality plummeted into the 'very poor' category, igniting a political clash between AAP and BJP over responsibility for the pollution. Allegations range from stubble burning in Punjab to manipulation of air quality data. Authorities forecast continued poor air quality.

Two days after Diwali, Delhi has remained under a cloud of haze, with air quality plunging into the 'very poor' category, a situation that has exacerbated political tensions. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have engaged in a blame game over the source and management of the pollution.

On Wednesday, the city's air quality index hit a seasonal high of 353, with reduced wind speed contributing to the worsening conditions, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta referenced recent improvements compared to previous years, citing a smaller gap in air quality before and after the festival despite the use of firecrackers.

Central to the dispute are claims of data manipulation by the BJP, accused by AAP of shutting down pollution monitoring systems. In turn, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa attributed the declining air quality to increased stubble burning in Punjab. Forecasts suggest Delhi's smoggy conditions are set to persist, maintaining the 'very poor' classification till Saturday with potential fluctuations afterward.

(With inputs from agencies.)