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Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently claimed that air pollution levels after Diwali have fallen compared to previous years under other governments.
However, his own administration has come under criticism after reports emerged that 15 air purifiers have been ordered for the Delhi Secretariat.
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and former Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj have alleged that the Delhi government has spent public money on equipment. According to reports, the total cost of procurement is around ₹5.4 lakh, with each purifier costing ₹36,345.
Meanwhile, Delhi is battling severe air pollution. The city’s average air quality index (AQI) this morning was above 340 – which is classified as “very poor”. In some areas like Anand Vihar, the AQI reached 511, putting it in the “severe” category.
The poor air quality has been attributed to the use of firecrackers during Diwali, slow wind speed and increasing pollution levels in the surrounding areas.
Read here Delhi-NCR’s air quality remains ‘very poor’, AQI recorded at 428 in Anand Vihar
The city is currently under Phase 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) – a set of emergency measures to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Stage 2 is activated when AQI levels reach the “very poor” range (301–400).
Under this phase, people are advised to use public transport, avoid burning garbage, reduce private vehicle use and maintain vehicle air filters.
Health experts have expressed concern over rising pollution levels, warning that children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems are at greater risk of health complications.
The government has not yet responded to the opposition’s allegations regarding the air purifier order.
However, critics say the timing of the decision is ironic – soon after the Chief Minister promoted the use of “green crackers” and traditional Diwali celebrations, while air purifiers are being installed in his own offices.
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