Union Minister Bhupender Yadav Explains Why Delhi AQI Crossed 450 Despite Rajya Sabha Claim

In this exclusive chat, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addresses the discrepancy between his Rajya Sabha statement regarding Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) and recent data showing severe pollution levels. While Yadav had stated that the AQI had not crossed 450 in 2025, CPCB data revealed it hit 461 on December 14. Clarifying his stance, Yadav says, 'Jis din maine yeh bayan diya tha us din tak AQI 450 ke upar nahi kiya tha' (Until the day I gave that statement, AQI hadn't crossed 450). He attributes the sudden spike to 'anthropocentric activity' and weather conditions like Western Disturbances causing zero wind velocity. The Minister also discusses the role of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in coordinating pollution control measures across Delhi-NCR.