BJP’s data fraud weakened GRAP framework, claims Bharadwaj

Aam Aadmi Party’s Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj on Saturday accused the BJP-run Delhi Government of manipulating pollution data to suppress mandatory Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) restrictions, worsening the city’s air quality crisis.

Bharadwaj alleged that the Supreme Court–mandated graded response framework has been undermined by data tampering, with pollution levels of 500–700 being reported as 300–400 to avoid enforcement.

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He added that both private and government construction sites continued operating despite GRAP Stage 3 prohibitions.

During a media interaction on Friday, Bharadwaj noted that the Supreme Court had set up an independent body—the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)—to monitor and address Delhi’s recurring winter pollution crisis.

The commission formulated the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a contingency framework designed to automatically activate restrictions as pollution levels rise. These measures include steps such as closing schools to reduce bus emissions and limit children’s exposure to hazardous air.

The AAP Delhi unit chief alleged a complete breakdown of the system due to what he claimed was deliberate manipulation of pollution readings by the government.

“This time the government has committed large-scale fraud in the entire pollution-measurement system. If the actual pollution level is 500, the government reports it as 350. If it is 700, the government reports it as 400. Because of this manipulation, the graded response that should have been triggered is not being implemented,” he said.

Bharadwaj also accused the government of ignoring official construction bans enforced under GRAP Stage 3.

“Even the GRAP rules that are technically in force are not being followed. GRAP Stage 3 is in place today, but if you step outside my home you will see construction going on day and night. Next to my house in Chirag Delhi, construction is happening continuously. If you go to Vinod Nagar, government road construction is going on non-stop,” he added.