Delhi minister blames AAP as smog worsens; AQI data vanishes from app

Delhi's air quality has dipped into the 'very poor' category as tensions rise over who is responsible for the sustained pollution. The environment minister pinned the blame on the Aam Aadmi Party, accusing the opposition of neglecting the city’s air quality while stressing that for years the public has suffered. He argued that the protests calling for clean air are a sign that the government must act more decisively, insisting that everyone has the right to protest and that such demonstrations keep the government accountable. He also addressed the India Gate protest, noting that crowds were redirected to Jantar Mantar to comply with Supreme Court guidelines against protests at the iconic site, and he used the moment to reiterate the political blame game that has dominated discussions around Delhi's air quality. The minister emphasized that the fight against pollution is ongoing, and he framed it as a battle inherited from past administrations while promising continued vigilance to protect children from respiratory illnesses. As for the data that often informs public action, the latest AQI readings were unavailable on the official app after noon on Monday, with the Central Pollution Control Board reporting that readings on its app and website had been temporarily halted due to a technical glitch. The last known reading before the outage stood at 345, classified as 'very poor.' Officials said the system would likely be restored soon, as of the last update, but for now residents must rely on alternative sources and official statements. In this tense climate, residents are left navigating health advisories amid ongoing discussions about who is ultimately responsible for Delhi's polluted air, and what concrete steps will be taken to improve air quality in the coming days.

Cover image source: Watch: People in Delhi fret over health issues in ‘Very Poor’ AQI 🔗

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