April 3, 2025: Delhi’s air monitoring data is unreliable

For this episode of Aaj Ka AQI, Newslaundry visits the National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, which has one of the 38 continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations in Delhi. The PM 2.5 level was 21 and PM 10 hovered around 24. At 143, the AQI was in the ‘moderate’ range.

Monitoring pollution has become a contentious issue with a recent CAG report revealing that Delhi’s AQI data is unreliable because many of these stations don’t meet CPCB’s criteria. These stations are either blocked by trees and buildings or too close to busy roads, which leads to faulty data collection. In such a scenario, how will Delhi start to course correct its measures to fight air pollution?

Watch.

This show is part of a collaborative campaign to tackle air pollution. Here’s how you can join the Fight To Breathe. Click here to power this campaign.