Delhi's Air Quality Index Remains Stuck due to Technical Glitches

Strategic Insights -

Delhi's air quality continues to suffer as the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains at a very poor level of 315, despite increased haze and pollution. The Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app and website failed to update AQI data, citing a technical glitch. This issue has persisted for over 12 hours, with the last update being at 10:43 pm. The CPCB's daily national bulletin was also delayed, eventually being released at 10:45 pm.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app and website have failed to update Air Quality Index (AQI) data for over 12 hours.
  • The last update was at 10:43 pm, with AQI remaining at a very poor level of 315.
  • The CPCB's daily national bulletin was delayed, eventually being released at 10:45 pm.
  • The issue is a result of a technical glitch, caused by old data flooding the CPCB's servers.
  • Eighteen out of 38 active stations have AQI levels in the "very poor" category.
  • The Delhi Pollution Control Committee's (DPCC) website shows hourly readings for all eight pollutants used to calculate the AQI.
  • Similar issues have occurred in the past, including on January 1, November 14, 2023, and October 31, 2022.

Statistics:

  • AQI level: 315 (very poor)
  • Number of active stations with AQI levels in the "very poor" category: 23
  • Number of active stations with AQI levels in the "severe" category: 2
  • Time since last AQI update: over 12 hours
  • Wind speed: marginal increase, possibly leading to improved AQI
  • AQI classification:

+ Satisfactory: 51-100

+ Moderate: 101-200

+ Poor: 201-300

+ Very poor: 301-400

+ Severe: over 400

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times, October 27
  • Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app and website
  • Delhi Pollution Control Committee's (DPCC) website