# India: CPCB addresses stark Delhi pollution data gap on Diwali night

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/india-cpcb-addresses-stark-delhi-pollution-data-gap-on-diwali-night/
- Published: 2026-11-11T06:46:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-11T07:21:40+00:00
- Original publisher: DW (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.dw.com/en/india-cpcb-addresses-stark-delhi-pollution-data-gap-on-diwali-night/live-79914190?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Topics: Asia, Environment, Science, World

## Key points

- Delhi’s official AQI was far below private platform readings on Diwali night.
- CPCB says its monitors are calibrated only up to 1,000 micrograms per cubic metre.
- One released hourly PM2.5 reading reached 3,744 micrograms per cubic metre.

## Summary

India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has explained why its reported air quality in Delhi on Diwali night was far lower than figures shown by private platforms. The discrepancy drew scrutiny as fireworks filled the city with toxic smog and reports said some monitoring stations stopped reporting at the pollution peak.

The CPCB app recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 400, while private services showed figures above 2,000. The board said its system measures particulate matter only up to 1,000 micrograms per cubic metre and excludes readings beyond that calibrated range from AQI calculations. Data later released by Delhi’s pollution committee showed one area reached 3,744 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre in an hour, about 60 times the national average; the CPCB said it is reviewing how to process readings beyond its system’s range.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.