Why were Indore's air quality stations moved?

The stations were moved into gardens to deliberately underplay actual pollution levels, according to the MPPCB.

What is the MPPCB's action against Indore's pollution data?

MPPCB ordered the shutdown of air quality monitoring stations and will reject their data until issues are rectified.

What issues were found with the pollution monitors in Indore?

Monitors were in gardens, data was unreliable, and the operating agency had calibration and maintenance issues.

Home / Environment / Air Quality Stations Hidden in Gardens to Mask Pollution

Air Quality Stations Hidden in Gardens to Mask Pollution

9 Jan

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Summary

Air quality monitors were deliberately placed in gardens to hide pollution.
Data from these stations will not be accepted until issues are fixed.
Private agency failed to provide valid calibration and used expired gas.

Air Quality Stations Hidden in Gardens to Mask Pollution

Indore, a city recently recognized for its cleanliness, is now facing allegations of a pollution data cover-up. The Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) has ordered the shutdown of all automated air quality monitoring stations after discovering they were deliberately placed within gardens and green zones. This strategic placement aimed to underplay real pollution levels, compromising the scientific reliability of the data collected.

The MPPCB's audit revealed "serious and similar deficiencies" in the operation, maintenance, and supervision of these Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS). Specifically, the chosen locations at Regional Park, Maguda Nagar, Bijasan Mata Temple Hill, and Residency Park were found to be deep inside gardens, away from main roads and activity hubs. This violates technical guidelines, preventing accurate pollution assessment. The findings follow a joint inspection on December 29 and 30, 2025.