Delhi's Air Quality Crisis: AAP and BJP Trade Accusations Over Pollution Data Manipulation

The AAP accused the BJP government in Delhi of manipulating air quality data and shutting down pollution monitoring stations amidst Diwali's pollution surge. Delhi's Environment Minister blamed Punjab's stubble burning for the crisis. AAP argued that Stage III GRAP protocols were ignored and demanded accountability.

The AAP, on Wednesday, accused the BJP-led government in Delhi of tampering with air quality data and shutting down pollution monitoring stations to misrepresent the severity of pollution during Diwali night. The AAP alleges that data showed a misleadingly healthy Air Quality Index (AQI), which was far below actual hazardous levels.

Delhi's Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, retorted by attributing the pollution problem to stubble burning in Punjab, claiming that the AAP government there forces farmers to burn crop residues, thereby increasing pollution in the national capital. AAP's Saurabh Bharadwaj contested this, arguing that the blame on Punjab's farmers was unfounded and aimed at communal divisiveness.

The controversy around data manipulation persists, with both parties offering conflicting narratives on the root causes of the crisis. While AAP calls for accountability and action in Delhi, the BJP insists on addressing broader cross-state pollution dynamics.

(With inputs from agencies.)