Political row erupts in Delhi over missing air quality data on Deepavali night

Air pollution levels in Delhi spiked after firecrackers were burst past permitted hours on Deepavali night on November 8, 2026. The national capital is currently under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan with multiple restrictions in place.

The Data Controversy

Senior Congress leader Ajay Maken flagged that PM 2.5 readings were missing at 25 of Delhi's 39 air quality monitoring stations on the night of the festival. He pointed out that pollution levels at nine available stations reached 38.4 times the World Health Organisation limit. Citing Central Pollution Control Board data, Mr Maken alleged that readings were not recorded between 2 AM and 3 AM across 25 specific stations including Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Aya Nagar, Bawana, and others. The Aam Aadmi Party also attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party over alleged data manipulation and the shutting down of monitoring stations, with AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj questioning how anyone can trust such a government.

Stubble Burning Allegations

Delhi labour minister and BJP leader Kapil Mishra alleged a conspiracy in AAP-governed Punjab to set stubble on fire on Diwali evening. He claimed that 1,200 stubble burning incidents happened on Diwali evening, which was ten times higher than previous days. He stated that officials received calls from farmers saying someone was coming and setting stubble on fire while farmers were celebrating with families.

Context

Delhi's air quality regularly plummets to hazardous levels during the winter months due to a combination of local emissions, firecracker use, and agricultural stubble burning in neighbouring states. Particulate matter 2.5 consists of fine inhalable particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing severe health risks. The Air Quality Early Warning System has forecast that Delhi's air quality is likely to stay in the severe category over the coming days.