Delhi's air quality worsens; AQI in 'very poor' category

ANI May 16, 2025 130 views

Delhi's air quality deteriorated sharply, with AQI reaching 301 due to dust storms from Rajasthan. The AAP accused the BJP of failing to address pollution, while BJP leaders dismissed the claims. Political tensions flared as both parties traded blame over worsening air conditions. The IMD attributed the spike to high-speed winds carrying dust into the capital.

"Air pollution was never this bad during the AAP regime at this time of the year." – Arvind Kejriwal
New Delhi, May 16: Delhi woke up on Friday to worsened air quality with the AQI touching 301 which falls in the 'very poor' category. A sudden spike in dust pollution is causing the air quality to deteriorate.

Key Points

1

Delhi AQI spikes to 301 in 'very poor' category

2

Dust storms from Rajasthan worsen pollution

3

AAP blames BJP for failing to curb pollution

4

Political spat erupts over worsening air quality

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi's overall AQI was recorded at 301 at 7 am today. An AQI ranging from 301 to 400 is categorised as 'very poor'. The AQI recorded in most of the observation stations was in the very poor category.

The AQI at Anant Vihar, Ashok Vihar, and Aya Nagar was recorded at 352, 322 and 333, respectively.

According to the IMD, the sudden wind gusts reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph swept across Palam and adjoining areas, bringing in significant dust from Rajasthan. This caused the unusual deterioration in the air quality in May in the national capital.

Meanwhile, a political row erupted over the worsened air quality with AAP attacking the BJP government, saying that its election promises of clean air collapsed in just three months.

The official handle of the Aam Aadmi Party posted on 'X': "In the month of May itself, Delhi-NCR was covered in a blanket of pollution. In the month of May itself, AQI has crossed 500 in many areas of Delhi-NCR, and dust and poisonous air are spread in the air. This has never happened before. There are BJP governments in Delhi and all the surrounding states, but no BJP government is doing any work to reduce pollution."

Sharing a news report on the alarming AQI levels, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal took to the social media platform 'X' and wrote, "Air pollution was never this bad during the AAP regime at this time of the year."

Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa hit out at former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi after the latter alleged that the AQI had reached 500 on Thursday morning.

Sirsa doubled down on Atishi and said that the diseases the Aam Aadmi Party government gave in the last 10 years were being cured by the BJP.

Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, "I am very amazed that Atishi has been the CM and she is tweeting like this - yesterday, the weather department had told that there would be thunderstorms and duststorms - now, will we be blamed for such storms? But it's good that Atishi has expectations from us. But, the 'disease' that 'AAP-da' has given us for the last 10 years, we will make all efforts and will clean the air of Delhi."

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is really concerning! My 5-year-old has developed breathing issues this week. Instead of political blame games, can't all parties work together? We need long-term solutions like green belts around Delhi and stricter dust control at construction sites. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Every year same story! Dust from Rajasthan, stubble burning, vehicles - the reasons change but the suffering remains. Just bought an air purifier but not everyone can afford this. Government should subsidize these for vulnerable groups. 😷
A
Amit S.
Why is this surprising? We've destroyed our green cover for concrete jungles. Remember when Delhi had more trees? Now every builder wants to maximize floors. Town planning needs complete overhaul with mandatory green spaces.
S
Sunita R.
Both AAP and BJP are equally responsible. When will our netas understand that clean air isn't a political issue but a basic right? My eyes burn every morning now. We need action, not Twitter wars! 🤦‍♀️
V
Vikram J.
The dust storm explanation makes sense, but why does Delhi always suffer the most? Other cities get storms too. Our geographical location + pollution makes a deadly combo. Need regional cooperation with neighboring states on this.
N
Neha T.
As someone who moved from Bangalore, the air quality shock was real! We need to learn from southern cities about urban planning. Small steps like more public transport and cycling lanes can help. Delhi deserves better 💚

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags:
Delhi pollution AQI dust storm AAP BJP Arvind Kejriwal air quality
You May Like!