350 or Over 1,000? Decoding Delhi’s Post-Diwali Air Quality Index
Support Independent Journalism
Support Goemkarponn’s mission for fearless journalism. Donate Now
New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality plunged sharply a day after Diwali, leaving the city shrouded in haze and making it one of the world’s most polluted major cities. Residents reported difficulty in breathing, itchy eyes, and general discomfort. While Swiss-based air-quality platform IQAir recorded the city’s AQI at a staggering 1,121, India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported a much lower figure of 351. Both readings, however, are correct within their respective frameworks.
Understanding AQI
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool designed to communicate air pollution levels in simple terms, helping the public under