Delhi Breathes Easier: AQI Lowest Since 2018, Except Lockdown Year

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Delhi has achieved a significant milestone in air quality improvement, with the lowest average air quality index (AQI) reading for January-November since 2018, excluding the lockdown year 2020. According to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), only three days this year saw AQI levels exceed the 'severe' category. The average AQI reading for the period was 187, a notable improvement from previous years. The PM2.5 concentration, a key indicator of air pollution, also reached a record low since 2018, matching the levels seen in 2020. This year's average PM2.5 reading was 85 micrograms per cubic meter, compared to 98 in 2024 and 103 in 2018. Delhi experienced its second-longest streak of 'very poor' air days, with the AQI remaining above 300 for 23 consecutive days. The average AQI was recorded at 369 at 4 pm on the day the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) releases its daily national bulletin. The CAQM's data reflects a positive trend in Delhi's air quality, with the exception of three days of severe air pollution. The improved air quality is a testament to the ongoing efforts to address pollution in the city.