Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday stated that air pollution in the city on Diwali night was lower this year compared to last year. Her remarks followed reports that Delhi’s air pollution reached a four-year high on Diwali, with particulate matter 2.5 levels peaking at 675. Addressing the issue, Gupta said she would meet a Punjab minister on Thursday to raise concerns about crop residue burning, which remains a major contributor to winter pollution in the national capital. She highlighted that the difference in average Air Quality Index (AQI) before and after Diwali this year was smaller than last year, despite firecrackers being permitted this time.

The Chief Minister emphasized that her government was taking all necessary measures with “greater alertness” to control pollution. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa noted that the AQI rose from 341 before Diwali to 356 afterward, an increase of just 15 points, indicating a comparatively moderate impact.

Sirsa also accused farmers in Punjab of being “forced and threatened” to burn paddy straw (parali) during Diwali, suggesting that the state government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party, was attempting to influence pollution levels in Delhi. The remarks underline ongoing tensions between Delhi and Punjab over air quality management and the need for coordinated action to reduce seasonal pollution caused by crop residue burning. Gupta’s comments reflect the government’s focus on monitoring air quality, controlling firecracker usage, and engaging neighboring states to mitigate pollution, signaling a multi-pronged approach to address the city’s persistent environmental challenges.