Amid the thick layer of smog shrouding the national capital, the opposition has accused the Delhi government of issuing an order to install Air purifiers. This comes days after the Chief Minister encouraged residents to celebrate a “traditional” Diwali with fireworks.  TMC MP Mahua Mohitra on X shared a work order of the Public Work Department (PWD) showing the billing of 5.45 lakh for 15 Air Purifiers to be installed in the Delhi Secretariat. Moitra, in the post on X, wrote, “Meanwhile Delhi government ordering 15 air purifiers for @gupta_rekha & team at tax payer’s money.”

On the contrary, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta yesterday, while addressing a press conference on Chhath Puja celebration, said that the level of air pollution after Diwali has decreased under the current government compared to the previous administration. She also noted highlighted the post-Diwali rise in pollution, relative to pre-Diwali levels, has not been as significant as in previous years.

However, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi NCR on Thursday morning remained under the “very poor” category with the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) II norms already in place. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi’s air quality on Diwali this year was worse than last year. In 2025 the Delhi’s AQI was 345, which is higher than 328 in 2024. 

What did PWD order say?

The work order by PWD reads, “RMO E&M Services at Delhi Sachivalaya, New Delhi Sachivalaya during 2025-26 (SH:- Supply & fixing of Air Purifiers at Various locations in Delhi Sachivalaya building).” The order further mentioned that the Delhi government has sanctioned the supply and installation of 15 smart air purifiers across various locations in the Secretariat building. The total cost of the procurement is  Rs 5,45,175, with each unit priced at Rs 36,345.

The order requires air purifiers to have multistage purification systems with a minimum of three filters: a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and a true HEPA filter, designed to cover areas up to approximately 1,000 square feet. 

Opposition criticises the BJP for air-purifier installation?

Congress’ Shama Mohamed said, “After promoting firecrackers and letting common citizens suffocate in toxic air, they are now buying 15 air purifiers for themselves using taxpayers’ money. How dare you use public money for your own comfort while putting everyone else’s lives in danger? Either provide air purifiers to every citizen or stop buying them for yourself.”

AAP’s Saurabh Bhardwaj posted on X, “The BJP government in Delhi is installing air purifiers in ministry offices.”

Experts’ POV on Delhi pollution

Dr Nikhil Modi, Respiratory Medicine Specialist at Apollo Hospitals, told ANI about the seasonal factors contributing to the spike in pollution,”As winter approaches every year, we see the AQI start to rise because as the air cools, the wind speed decreases, and cold air does not rise, causing pollution to accumulate at lower levels.”

He added, “Before Diwali, we began to notice that the AQI was increasing, and after Diwali, it was anticipated that the AQI would continue to rise. As soon as pollution increases, people with allergies and lung problems face issues like difficulty in breathing, coughing, watery eyes, and other symptoms,”