Delhi's air quality has plummeted to hazardous levels, triggering a blame game between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) even as smog chokes the city. The crisis unfolds against the backdrop of AAP's ambitious plan to use artificial rain to combat pollution, a move now facing scrutiny from the BJP.
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Delhi residents woke up to a thick layer of smog, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring into the "Very Poor" and "Severe" categories. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an overall AQI of 350 at 8 am, with several monitoring stations in the "Red Zone". Hotspots like Bawana (423), Wazirpur (408), and Jahangirpuri (407) recorded the highest pollution levels. Areas like Punjabi Bagh, Mundka and Anand Vihar also remained in the "Very Poor" range.
The usual suspects are contributing to the crisis. Post-Diwali celebrations involving firecrackers, despite Supreme Court regulations allowing only "green" firecrackers within a limited time frame, added significantly to the pollution. Many residents reportedly flouted these rules, leading to prolonged bursting of crackers. Stubble burning in neighboring states, particularly Punjab and Haryana, is another major factor. Vehicle emissions and industrial pollution also contribute to the overall AQI.
In response to the worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has reimposed Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. This includes strict dust control measures at construction sites, regulations on waste burning, and increased mechanized road sweeping. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially during morning and evening hours.
Amidst this, AAP's plan for artificial rain, or cloud seeding, has come under the BJP's scanner. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa had announced trials for cloud seeding to take place after Diwali, pending approval from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The project, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, aims to assess whether artificial rain can help reduce pollution and smog during the peak winter season.
However, the BJP has criticized AAP, alleging that the party is failing to curb stubble burning in Punjab, where AAP is in power. They argue that this inaction is endangering the health of Delhi residents. The BJP has shared images and videos purportedly showing stubble burning in Punjab, accusing Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Arvind Kejriwal of not doing enough to address the issue.
The AAP has refuted these claims, accusing the BJP of defaming them ahead of Delhi Assembly elections. They argue that stubble burning has reduced in Punjab but has surged in BJP-ruled Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. AAP leaders have also pointed out that many of the world's most polluted cities are in states governed by the BJP.
The political blame game highlights the complex challenges in tackling Delhi's air pollution crisis. While measures like artificial rain offer potential solutions, addressing the root causes, such as stubble burning and emissions, requires coordinated efforts from multiple states and the central government.
The current situation has severe health implications. Exposure to such high levels of pollution can aggravate respiratory ailments like asthma and bronchitis, increase the risk of respiratory infections, and contribute to cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Experts advise residents, especially children and the elderly, to take precautions such as using air purifiers and wearing masks when venturing outdoors.
