AAP-BJP political blame game turns worse as Delhi reels under 'severe' air quality

Air quality in Indian capital Delhi has continued to worsen even as the state's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) engaged in a blame game ahead of the upcoming civic body elections.

According to a report, the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 1 on Saturday (29) was in the 400-500 range or "severe" category in several places across the national capital. The pollution level in the city was at its highest since January and some areas in the city saw the air quality hovering close to 500 in the index.

The concentration of PM2.5 (particulate matter up to 2.5 micrometres in diameter) is at 40 to 60 times the annual safe limit which has been set by the World Health Organisation.

The latest forecast has warned that it is set to get worse and remain in the "very poor" category for at least a couple of days, which could trigger health advisories.

However, the political parties were busy attacking each other.

AAP workers on Saturday protested in front of the office of Delhi's lieutenant governor (LG), alleging he deliberately did not approve their 'Red Light on, Gaadi Off' campaign aimed at reducing pollution.

The LG countered saying the AAP "lied" about the roll-out date of the campaign.

The AAP has often slammed the LG, who is appointed by the central government, accusing him of acting on directions of the BJP government led by prime minister Narendra Modi.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.