Discrepancies found in Delhi air pollution data during Diwali

BBC Verify discovered that hourly PM2.5 readings exceeding 1,000 micrograms per cubic metre were omitted from the Central Pollution Control Board's air quality index when compared against data from the Delhi Pollution Control Commission. This discrepancy meant that extreme pollution levels recorded during Diwali celebrations were left out of official calculations. The Central Pollution Control Board stated that readings above 1,000 micrograms are excluded because they fall outside the detection range for which their equipment is calibrated. However, experts warn that omitting these extreme figures misrepresents actual pollution levels and risks eroding public trust in official environmental data.