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Sirsa said the government was working round the clock to tackle pollution and stressed the importance of public participation in the fight against deteriorating air quality.
As per CPCB standards, an AQI between zero and 50 is classified as ‘good’, 51-100 as ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 as ‘moderate’, 201-300 as ‘poor’, 301-400 as ‘very poor’ and 401-500 as ‘severe’. (Photo: PTI file)
Delhi’s air quality has improved significantly over the past two days, with rainfall and strong winds following Cyclone Arnab’s landfall helping clear the air. However, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has credited the improvement to the Rekha Gupta government’s “targeted action” against pollution, triggering a debate over the role of weather conditions.
In a post on X on Friday, Sirsa said the government was working round the clock to tackle pollution and stressed the importance of public participation in the fight against deteriorating air quality.
“Under the leadership of Hon’ble CM @gupta_rekha Ji, our government is working round the clock on anti-pollution measures, but real change happens when governance is backed by strong Jan Bhagidari,” he wrote.
Seeing visuals of India Gate with a ‘Satisfactory’ AQI of 93 is proof that targeted action brings real results.Under the leadership of Hon’ble CM @gupta_rekha Ji, our government is working round the clock on anti-pollution measures, but real change happens when governance is backed by strong Jan Bhagidari.
A huge thank you to the people of Delhi for their active participation in our mission for clean air. Let’s keep working together for a healthier, greener Delhi!
— Manjinder Singh Sirsa (@mssirsa) October 30, 2026
The Air Quality Index (AQI) around India Gate stood at 93 on Friday, falling in the ‘satisfactory’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Delhi’s air quality had remained in the ‘poor’ category earlier this week. However, favourable weather conditions, including rain and strong winds, brought a sharp improvement, with the AQI dropping to 60 on Thursday.
As per CPCB standards, an AQI between zero and 50 is classified as ‘good’, 51-100 as ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 as ‘moderate’, 201-300 as ‘poor’, 301-400 as ‘very poor’ and 401-500 as ‘severe’.
After several social media users pointed to the role of rainfall in improving air quality, Sirsa issued another post acknowledging its contribution. He said Delhi’s AQI had improved further following the rain and urged residents to help sustain the improvement.
“Let’s enjoy this cleaner air and remember that keeping it clean is our collective responsibility. Every effort counts, from keeping our surroundings clean to choosing cleaner transport, carpooling and other suitable measures,” he wrote.
Delhi’s AQI has improved further with the rain. Let’s enjoy this cleaner air and remember that keeping it clean is our collective responsibility. Every effort counts, from keeping our surroundings clean to choosing cleaner transport, carpooling and other suitable measures.— Manjinder Singh Sirsa (@mssirsa) October 30, 2026
Sirsa Targets AAP Over Farm Fires In Punjab
The Delhi Environment Minister also targeted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over the rising number of farm fires in Punjab, alleging that the state had recorded 1,007 incidents, with 672 reported from Tarn Taran, Amritsar and Ferozepur alone.
Sirsa claimed that single-day farm fire cases had surged by 194 and accused the previous AAP government in Punjab, led by Bhagwant Mannof failing to put an effective stubble management strategy in place.
“Before pointing fingers at me, look at your own failure. After 4.5 years of rule, you and Bhagwant Mann have no strategy for stubble management,” Sirsa said, accusing the AAP leadership of shifting the blame while Delhi continued to grapple with pollution.
Farm fires in neighbouring states, particularly Punjab and Haryana, are among the factors contributing to deteriorating air quality in Delhi during the winter months. Other major contributors include vehicular emissions, construction dust and industrial pollution.
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Ask News18Delhi’s air quality significantly improved due to rainfall and strong winds following Cyclone Arnab’s landfall, which brought the AQI around India Gate down to 93 in the satisfactory category.
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Saurabh Verma is a Deputy News Editor at News18.com, specialising in Indian politics and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking election strategies, he decodes domestic issues for mil…Read More
October 30, 2026, 9:15 PM IST
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