Delhi’s air quality remains dire, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) stubbornly hovering above 345, oscillating between “very poor” and “severe” categories. Yet, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta claimed on Wednesday that post-Diwali pollution levels have improved compared to previous years, despite monitoring stations recording a four-year high on Diwali, with particulate matter (PM2.5) soaring to 675. Hours after her statement, the Delhi administration announced the installation of 15 air purifiers in the Delhi Secretariat, costing Rs 5.5 lakh, to protect officials in high-traffic areas—a move that starkly contrasts with the city’s suffocating reality.

The Secretariat’s air purifiers, intended to shield employees from hazardous air, highlight a disconnect between the government’s claims and the lived experience of Delhi’s residents. On Wednesday morning, thick smog blanketed the city, making breathing difficult for millions. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that 34 of 38 monitoring stations were in the “red zone,” with Punjab Bagh recording an alarming AQI of 427. Vulnerable groups—children, street vendors, and construction workers—continue to suffer the most, with many reporting respiratory discomfort and reduced visibility.

Gupta’s assertion that the “pre- and post-Diwali AQI gap” was smaller this year, even with firecrackers permitted, has drawn skepticism. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa supported her claims, noting a modest AQI increase from 341 to 356 post-Diwali and alleging that farmers in Punjab are being coerced into burning crop residue, a key contributor to Delhi’s winter smog. “We are addressing all external factors with urgency,” Sirsa said, echoing Gupta’s promise of proactive measures.

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However, opposition voices paint a grimmer picture. AAP MLA and Chief Whip Sanjeev Jha accused the government of manipulating pollution data, claiming that “every phone in Delhi shows an AQI between 1,000 and 1,500.” Jha’s allegations underscore public frustration with the government’s response, as residents grapple with the health impacts of prolonged exposure to toxic air.

Gupta announced plans to meet a Punjab minister on Thursday to address crop residue burning, emphasizing her administration’s commitment to tackling regional pollution sources. Yet, for Delhi’s citizens, the contrast between the government’s indoor protections and the city’s hazardous outdoor air raises questions about priorities. As smog continues to choke the capital, the installation of air purifiers for officials feels like a privilege few can afford, leaving the majority to face the pollution head-on.

Also Read: Smog Blankets Delhi as Diwali Fireworks Push AQI to ‘Very Poor’ 347