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Weather
Delhi's Diwali AQI: 373 vs 1,747 – Why the figures clash
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 11 Nov 2026, 10:11 AM
👁 10
On Diwali, Delhi's air quality index was reported as either 373 or 1,747, prompting questions about the source of the disparity.
Multiple monitoring agencies released air‑quality readings for Delhi on Diwali, but the numbers varied dramatically. The official figure quoted by the Delhi Pollution Control Board stood at 373, while several independent platforms posted a value of 1,747.
The gap stems from differences in measurement methodology. Government stations use a standardized set of sensors placed at fixed locations, whereas private networks often rely on low‑cost sensors that can be more sensitive to localized spikes.
Additionally, the timing of data capture contributed to the mismatch; some reports reflected real‑time peaks during firecracker bursts, while others presented averaged values over a longer period. The contrasting figures have highlighted the challenges of presenting a single, definitive AQI for a city as large and diverse as Delhi.
Authorities urged residents to continue following health advisories regardless of the exact number, emphasizing that both readings indicated hazardous air quality.
The gap stems from differences in measurement methodology. Government stations use a standardized set of sensors placed at fixed locations, whereas private networks often rely on low‑cost sensors that can be more sensitive to localized spikes.
Additionally, the timing of data capture contributed to the mismatch; some reports reflected real‑time peaks during firecracker bursts, while others presented averaged values over a longer period. The contrasting figures have highlighted the challenges of presenting a single, definitive AQI for a city as large and diverse as Delhi.
Authorities urged residents to continue following health advisories regardless of the exact number, emphasizing that both readings indicated hazardous air quality.