Delhi residents face hazardous air as AQI rises to 461. AAP criticizes BJP government’s response while pollution reaches alarming levels.

As Delhi’s air quality deteriorated further into the ‘severe’ category on Sunday, escalating pollution levels incited a renewed exchange of accusations between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

AAP criticized the BJP regarding the worsening air quality, asserting that the air quality index (AQI) had exceeded 450 despite the conclusion of the stubble-burning season. December is already halfway through, and the BJP administration has nearly completed one year. Currently, there is no residue burning taking place anywhere in the country. Nevertheless, the extent of pollution is such that, when indoors, a haze pervades the environment and fog remains visible even within enclosed spaces, according to AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj speaking to the media.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi registered its highest AQI of the season on Sunday at 461, an increase from 432 the previous day, as air quality continued to fall within the ‘severe’ (401-500) category.

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Mr. Bharadwaj stated that the most regrettable aspect of the crisis was the lack of public trust in governance. What is even more lamentable is that the residents of Delhi are uncertain about whom to turn to in the hope that action will be taken. Should they consider a Chief Minister who is unable to enunciate AQI correctly? he inquired.

Claiming a fundamental lack of comprehension at the highest level, the AAP leader stated, “This is the Chief Minister who asserts that AQI and temperature are identical, believes that AQI can be measured with any instrument, and is convinced that sprinkling water is the sole method to reduce AQI.”

Cease political discourse

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor responded by stating that although pollution levels had increased, no local factors could be attributed as the cause.

The western perturbation affecting northern India has halted air circulation, resulting in a surge in pollution, he stated.

Delhi residents are inquiring of Saurabh Bharadwaj and Congress leader Devender Yadav regarding the measures their respective administrations implemented from 2009 to 2020, during which the pollution levels continued to escalate steadily. They request that opposition leaders cease their negative political discourse, Mr. Kapoor stated.