36 Delhi air monitoring stations stop reporting PM2.5 readings during Diwali pollution spike
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· IT, AI, semiconductors & computing· Prelims·
Sensor saturation and data transparency: a GS3 and Science & Technology case study on environmental governance.
Why in news
36 air monitoring stations in Delhi stopped reporting PM2.5 readings during a Diwali pollution spike, which the DPCC and CPCB attributed to a technical glitch when readings exceed 999 micrograms per cubic metre.
Background
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) found that 36 stations failed to report PM2.5 at 1 am on November 9. At RK Puram, PM2.5 concentration reached 924 micrograms per cubic metre before the station stopped displaying readings.
Facts for Prelims
- FactPM2.5 concentration at RK Puram reached 924 micrograms per cubic metre before the station stopped reporting.
- FactThe technical glitch occurs when PM2.5 readings exceed 999 micrograms per cubic metre.
- BodyDPCC: Delhi Pollution Control Committee
- BodyCPCB: Central Pollution Control Board
- FactDelhi's average PM2.5 concentration on Diwali was 257 micrograms per cubic metre.
Prelims practice question
At what concentration level does the technical glitch occur that causes Delhi air monitoring stations to stop reporting PM2.5 readings?
- (a)999 micrograms per cubic metre
- (b)1500 micrograms per cubic metre
- (c)500 micrograms per cubic metre
- (d)1000 micrograms per cubic metre
Show answer
Answer: (a) 999 micrograms per cubic metre — The DPCC and CPCB attributed the lack of reporting to a technical glitch when readings exceed 999 micrograms per cubic metre.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges in real-time air quality monitoring and data transparency in urban centers facing severe pollution spikes.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Technical limitations: Sensor saturation and data transmission failures during extreme pollution events
- Data integrity: Challenges in maintaining public trust and transparency during environmental crises
- Infrastructure gap: Need for high-range sensors and robust data logging for extreme AQI scenarios
Keywords: Air Quality Index · PM2.5 · Data Transparency · Sensor Saturation · Environmental Governance
More Science & Technology notes
- Australia tightens AI oversight after OpenAI agent breached government health data system · 10 November 2026
- Google DeepMind researchers use agentic AI to mathematically prove Signal protocol cryptographic guarantees · 10 November 2026
- CCMB scientists identify critical weaknesses in Tuberculosis bacterium to find new drug targets · 10 November 2026
- BSNL reduces villages without 4G access by three-fourths through saturation scheme · 10 November 2026
- Meta expands automated age-estimation technology globally to identify Instagram teenagers after billion-dollar settlements · 10 November 2026
- Scientist identifies 34,000 farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, far exceeding official records · 9 November 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.