Kejriwal Accuses Delhi CM Gupta of Manipulating Air Quality Data with Water Spraying Tactics

New Delhi:

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has delivered a scathing critique of his successor Rekha Gupta's comments regarding the use of mist sprayers to address pollution at hotspots. In a post on X, Kejriwal alleged that Gupta's remarks effectively admitted the government is attempting to "hide" pollution data. He particularly challenged her characterization of AQI as being "like temperature," questioning when "this new science" emerged that equates air quality index with temperature measurements.

"The Chief Minister has at least acknowledged that water spraying is being conducted precisely where AQI monitors are installed, preventing Delhi residents from learning the truth about pollution levels. In other words, there's an ongoing effort to conceal the data and create an illusion of 'clean air,'" Kejriwal stated in his social media post.

The controversy began when Gupta responded to opposition claims about water being sprayed on air monitors at pollution hotspots to manipulate readings. "A hotspot is where pollution concentration is highest. What's the solution? You spray there, you water it. You work to improve the soil. So naturally, you'll spray only at the hotspot," Gupta explained.

She further elaborated, "Does using a monitor reduce the AQI? AQI is like a temperature which can be measured with any instrument, so watering it is the only solution we're implementing."

This exchange occurs amid intensifying debate regarding why government AQI figures aren't reflecting the visible deterioration in Delhi's air quality. The Aam Aadmi Party has consistently alleged data manipulation, while the BJP rejects these accusations. Gupta has previously characterized Delhi's winter pollution as a "legacy" problem inherited from previous administrations.

The political confrontation escalated after Gupta announced plans to deploy 305 mist sprayers at nine pollution hotspots throughout the city as part of the government's strategy to combat air pollution.

Senior AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj claimed, "When pollution levels rise, the government shuts down AQI monitoring stations. Wherever readings are high, water spraying is conducted around those monitoring stations. People are disturbed to discover that major institutions are participating in this tampering, with fraud occurring openly. The government aims not to reduce actual pollution but merely to manipulate the figures."

AAP spokesperson Priya Kakkar added, "The BJP has arranged for water to be sprinkled on AQI monitors to artificially lower readings. They're manipulating the data, which undermines their integrity and credibility. Even BJP supporters should join our protest, but instead they remain at home with their air purifiers."

Delhi typically experiences severe air quality deterioration following Diwali celebrations each year. While this pattern has been delayed in the current season, air quality over recent weeks has fluctuated between "poor" and "very poor" classifications.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board standards, AQI values are categorized as follows: 0-50 is "good," 51-100 "satisfactory," 101-200 "moderate," 201-300 "poor," 301-400 "very poor," and 401-500 "severe."