India’s official air quality index (AQI) does not report values beyond 500, even when pollution levels exceed that threshold. Experts say this cap limits public awareness of extreme health risks. International platforms often show higher readings, prompting calls for reform in India’s air quality reporting standards.
India’s AQI reporting system has come under scrutiny as pollution levels in cities like Delhi frequently surpass the maximum index value of 500. While international platforms such as IQAir and Plume Labs display AQI readings well above this limit—sometimes exceeding 1,000—India’s government-backed systems like SAFAR and SAMEER stop at 500, labeling anything above as “severe.”
The AQI is designed to simplify complex pollution data into a single number that reflects health risks. However, the cap at 500 means that when pollution spikes beyond this level, the public receives no additional warning or differentiation between “very hazardous” and “extremely hazardous” conditions.
Key highlights from the issue include
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India’s AQI scale, developed by CPCB, categorizes values above 400 as “severe,” with no gradation beyond 500.
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Platforms like IQAir often report AQI values above 600 or even 1,000 during peak pollution events.
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Experts argue that capping AQI at 500 masks the true severity of air pollution and undermines public health messaging.
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The US EPA and other global agencies use extended AQI scales to reflect ultra-hazardous conditions more accurately.
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Doctors and environmentalists warn that lack of granular data may lead to under-preparedness, especially for vulnerable groups.
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Calls are growing for India to revise its AQI framework to include higher bands and real-time health advisories.
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The discrepancy between government and private readings has led to public confusion and mistrust in official data.
Sources: NDTV Observer-Voice, WelshWave.