Delhi’s double whammy: Air getting toxic, AQI data under cloud

While Delhi’s air gets worse, questions have emerged around the credibility of the air quality index data in the national capital. Many feel unsure about which government app or website to rely on for accurate information about the air they breathe.

Newslaundry spoke to two AQI experts, Sachin and Gaurav, to understand what’s going wrong. 

Sachin points out that Sameer, the official app by the Central Pollution Control Board, used to be considered reliable, but in several areas, including Gurugram, large chunks of data have been missing for over a year. This makes it impossible for people to know the true pollution levels. As a result, many users have deleted the app and are now searching for better alternatives. Sachin even opens the app on camera to show how missing data creates confusion and mistrust among users.

Gaurav says data is crucial for a policy around pollution which impacts public health in the long run.

Watch.

This report 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.