‘So-called PM 3.0’ must worry about PM2.5: Congress digs into Delhi air quality

Air quality in Delhi slipped into the ‘very poor’ category for the first time this season on November 2, with the AQI recording 312 at 9:00 a.m. File photo | Photo credit: PTI

The Congress on Monday (Nov 2, 2026) hit out at the Modi government after Delhi’s air quality slipped to the ‘very poor’ category for the first time this season, saying PM2.5 (particulate matter) was choking the national capital and the “PM 3.0 government” must take it more seriously than before.

Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said the National Clean Air Program has a strong focus on PM10, but it is the finer PM2.5 particles that are the real killer when it comes to public health.

“PM2.5 is suffocating the national capital and especially other parts of northern India,” Mr Ramesh said on X.

It has been quite clear for some time that the safety standards for PM2.5 – that is, particles 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter – are four times the World Health Organization (WHO) safety level (24-hour average) and eight times when taken as an annual average, he said.

“The PM2.5 norms need to be urgently revised and strictly enforced,” said Mr. Ramesh.

The “so-called PM 3.0 government”, which is in deep trouble, must take this more seriously than before, Mr Ramesh added.

His remarks came on a day when Delhi’s air quality slipped into the ‘very poor’ category for the first time this season on Monday (November 2, 2026), with the air quality index (AQI) recording 312 at 9 am.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between zero and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 as “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 as “moderate”, 201 and 300 as “bad”, 301 and 400 as “very bad” and 05.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Grade 2 is used in Delhi when the AQI enters the “Very Poor” category between 301 and 400.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decided to launch phase 2 based on dynamic air quality and meteorological forecasts, including strict measures to reduce air pollution.

Published – 02 Nov 2026 12:33 IST