New Delhi is grappling with a severe environmental crisis as a thick layer of smog chokes the capital, exacerbated by missing pollution data that is fueling public anger and raising serious questions about the reliability of official reporting. On Monday, November 10, 2025, residents awoke to a city shrouded in a dense haze, with visibility significantly reduced and the familiar smell of toxic air permeating the atmosphere. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) initially reported the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 345, placing Delhi in the "very poor" category. However, the CPCB's Sameer app and website, the primary sources for real-time air quality information, went dark, leaving citizens without updates during a period of visibly worsening conditions.
This is not an isolated incident. Throughout October, significant gaps in PM2.5 data have been recorded across Delhi's 39 AQI stations. The worst blackout occurred at the Chandni Chowk station, with 224 hours of missing data, followed by Punjabi Bagh and Najafgarh, each with data gaps exceeding 100 hours. Experts warn that such extensive data loss indicates fundamental issues with the sensors, requiring urgent auditing and upgrades.
The timing of these data outages raises concerns about transparency and potential manipulation. On Diwali night, October 21, 2025, 28 out of 39 pollution monitors went offline as firecracker pollution spiked. Similar disruptions have occurred on other days, including an 11-hour gap on October 26 and a 12-hour gap the following day. Suspicion of data tampering was fueled by a video showing water being sprayed around an air monitoring station on Diwali night, allegedly to lower pollution readings. A survey revealed that 87% of Delhi residents distrust government air quality data.
The consequences of this "data smog" are far-reaching. Without reliable information, residents are unable to take informed decisions to protect their health. The lack of data also hinders effective implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a set of emergency measures designed to combat air pollution. The Supreme Court has voiced its concern over the ineffective implementation of GRAP due to missing data.
The ongoing air pollution crisis in Delhi is a complex problem with multiple contributing factors. Stubble burning in neighboring states contributes significantly to the pollution, accounting for 22% of Delhi's PM2.5 levels on November 6, 2025. Other sources include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust. The combination of these factors, coupled with unfavorable weather conditions such as stagnant winds, creates a perfect storm of pollution that blankets the city.
The health impacts of Delhi's air pollution are devastating. Exposure to PM2.5, a dangerous particulate matter, increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Air pollution contributed to 2.1 million deaths in India in 2021, including 237,000 ozone-pollution related deaths. A University of Chicago analysis indicates that Delhi residents could lose a decade of life expectancy due to the city's foul air.
The situation demands immediate and decisive action. Experts emphasize the need for reliable and transparent air quality monitoring, stricter enforcement of pollution control measures, and a transition to cleaner energy sources and public transportation. Restoring public trust in air quality data is crucial, requiring more than just public relations efforts. The health and well-being of Delhi's residents depend on it.
