AAP accuses Delhi government of manipulating air quality data

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has intensified its criticism of the Delhi government's handling of the capital's deteriorating air quality, accusing authorities of systematically manipulating pollution data to underreport the severity of the crisis.

According to AAP representatives, officials have been spraying water on air quality monitoring stations to artificially suppress pollution readings, a practice the party characterizes as both corrupt and dangerous to public health. The allegations suggest a deliberate effort to present misleadingly low air quality index (AQI) values to the public and regulatory agencies.

The party has framed the alleged data tampering as more than a simple administrative impropriety, arguing that falsifying air quality measurements poses direct health risks to Delhi residents by preventing them from taking necessary precautions during high pollution episodes. AAP contends that accurate AQI data is essential for citizens to make informed decisions about their daily activities and health protection.

The accusations come as Delhi continues to grapple with seasonal air pollution, particularly during autumn and winter months when meteorological conditions trap pollutants over the city. The dispute over data integrity highlights ongoing tensions between political parties regarding responsibility for addressing the capital's air quality challenges.