With reference to air quality management in Delhi-NCR, consider the following statements: 1. Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan was enforced across the Delhi-NCR region. 2. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is responsible for enforcing the Graded Response Action Plan. 3. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi's AQI at 400 on the Sameer app. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Bhavreen Kandhari alleges government data lacks authenticity as Delhi AQI hits 373

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims + Mains· 9 November 2026

Data integrity and real-time monitoring: a GS3 Environment and Governance case study.

Why in news

Environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari alleged that government data on the Sameer app lacks authenticity and fails to reflect the actual severe pollution levels in Delhi.

Background

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi-NCR. On November 8, 2026, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi's AQI at 373 on the Sameer app.

Facts for Prelims

BodyCAQM: Commission for Air Quality Management responsible for enforcing the Graded Response Action Plan.
FactDelhi AQI reached 373 on November 8, 2026, as reported by CPCB.
BodyCPCB: Central Pollution Control Board provides data for the Sameer app.
PlaceDelhi-NCR: Region where Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan was enforced.

Prelims practice question

With reference to air quality management in Delhi-NCR, consider the following statements:

Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan was enforced across the Delhi-NCR region.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is responsible for enforcing the Graded Response Action Plan.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi's AQI at 400 on the Sameer app.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)3 only
(c)1 and 2 only
(d)1 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The CPCB reported Delhi's AQI at 373.

For Mains

Q. Critically analyze the challenges in real-time air quality monitoring and the necessity of transparent data reporting in urban pollution management.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Data integrity: Discrepancy between official sensor readings and ground-level observations by stakeholders
Institutional oversight: Need for independent verification of CPCB data to ensure public trust
Policy enforcement: Effectiveness of the Graded Response Action Plan in mitigating severe AQI spikes

Keywords: Data Authenticity · Air Quality Index · Graded Response Action Plan · Environmental Governance · Real-time Monitoring

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