Why India caps pollution reading at 500 when the air is far more toxic

India sets a cap of 500 for pollution readings, limiting the official air quality index (AQI) scale despite private monitors often showing higher, more toxic levels. This threshold, established over a decade ago, aims to prevent panic by signaling severe air pollution. However, experts note discrepancies between international standards, such as WHO guidelines, and India's regulations, impacting how air quality is reported and assessed. Despite differing approaches and measurement tools, the need for accurate data to address India's hazardous air quality remains crucial.