Congress taunts Modi government over pollution issue in Delhi

According to a 'The Hindu' report on Delhi's pollution, the Congress on Monday (November 2, 2026) made a sharp dig at the Modi government. Air quality in the national capital Delhi slipped into the 'very poor' category for the first time this season, triggering political rhetoric. At 9 a.m. on Monday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 312.

Reacting to this situation, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh stated on the social media platform 'X' that PM 2.5 (Particulate Matter) is choking the national capital and other parts of North India. He further stated that the so-called 'PM 3.0 government' is in trouble and needs to take this issue with more seriousness than it has shown so far.

Jairam Ramesh stated that the National Clean Air Program mainly focuses on PM 10, but from the perspective of public health, the real dangerous factor is PM 2.5 (i.e., micro-particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less). It has been clear for a long time that safety standards for PM 2.5 are four times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) 24-hour average safety levels and eight times higher as an annual average level. He demanded that these standards should be revised immediately and strictly enforced.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and between 401 and 500 'severe'. When air quality enters the 'very poor' category between 301 and 400, Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is implemented in Delhi.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decides to implement Stage 2 based on dynamic weather and pollution forecasts, which includes stringent measures to control air pollution. Amidst such deteriorating weather conditions, political parties are raising questions on government policies and continuously demanding immediate effective steps.