"After Diwali, AQI rose by mere 6 points; our measures ensured stability in air quality": Delhi Minister Sirsa

New Delhi [India], October 21 (ANI): Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday highlighted the efforts in controlling Delhi's pollution, stressing that despite a 21 per cent growth in construction and an 8 per cent increase in new vehicle registrations, pollution levels have remained stable.
He also added that the arbitrary bans on older vehicles imposed earlier have been rationalised, ensuring fairness without compromising environmental goals.
"This shows that when intent and policy are both clean, development and environment can progress together," Sirsa said while addressing a press conference.
Sirsa also shared that Delhi's post-Diwali air quality is significantly better than in previous years: 2020 (under AAP rule): AQI 462, 2024: AQI 360, 2025: AQI 351.
"This clearly proves that crackers are not the main cause of pollution. Delhiites celebrated responsibly, and our measures ensured stability in air quality," Sirsa said.
He added that Delhi's AQI rose only by six points -- from 345 to 351 -- compared to yesterday, which shows the stability and effectiveness of ongoing anti-pollution measures.
"Earlier, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates were issued within 18-30 seconds without proper checks. Now, every vehicle undergoes real-time testing before certification -- setting a new benchmark in transparency," the Delhi Minister said.
Sirsa also accused the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government of pressuring farmers to burn stubble to worsen Delhi's air quality and politically target the Rekha Gupta administration.
He alleged that the surge in stubble-burning incidents over the past few days was "no coincidence" and claimed that farmers were being provoked to ignite fires for political gain.
"Over the past four days, stubble-burning incidents in Punjab have surged sharply and this is no coincidence. Farmers are being pressured and provoked to burn stubble so that pollution in Delhi can be used politically to target the Delhi Government," Sirsa told reporters.
The Minister strongly condemned AAP leaders' recent remarks on Diwali celebrations, saying, "Arvind Kejriwal and his team are trying to politicise a sacred festival. Diwali is not the property of any political party; it is the festival of India's soul. Calling Diwali a 'sin' is an insult to our faith and culture."
He added, "This is the same party that banned crackers to please one section of voters, and now labels those celebrating Diwali as 'wrongdoers'. These are the same people who once opposed Lord Shri Ram inside the Assembly."
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 351 as of 4 pm today.
The pollution rate at Lodhi Road was 343; meanwhile, in Sirifort, it was 274. The AQI in Greater Noida and Ghaziabad was 282 and 324, respectively.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good,' 51 and 100 'satisfactory,' 101 and 200 'moderate,' 201 and 300 'poor,' 301 and 400 'very poor,' and 401 and 500 'severe.' (ANI)