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Delhi pollution monitors went dark as AQI surged on Diwali

Hindustan Times Nov 10, 2026 at 05:26 AM IST India
Delhi pollution monitors went dark as AQI...

AI summary

Delhi's official air quality index was artificially lowered on Diwali night because PM2.5 readings exceeding 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter were omitted from Central Pollution Control Board records. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee later released the missing data, revealing peak pollution levels reached 3,744 micrograms per cubic meter.

Key takeaways

  • PM2.5 readings stopped appearing in official records once levels neared 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter.
  • The Delhi Pollution Control Committee later released data showing peak pollution reached 3,744 micrograms per cubic meter.
  • The missing high-pollution hours caused the official AQI to be reported as 344 instead of an estimated 360.
  • The Central Pollution Control Board did not explain the technical glitch that caused the data omission.
Read the original at Hindustan Times

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