Delhi posts its cleanest Jan–Nov AQI since 2018, excluding 2020 lockdown
Delhi posts its cleanest Jan–Nov AQI since 2018, excluding 2020 lockdown
Delhi records its cleanest Jan–Nov AQI since 2018 (187) with PM2.5 at 85 and PM10 at 183, signaling cleaner air despite lingering pockets.
Delhi's air quality improved noticeably for the January–November period, with the overall AQI averaging 187—the lowest reading since 2018, except for the lockdown year 2020. The PM2.5 concentration averaged 85 micrograms per cubic metre, the PM10 average was 183 micrograms per cubic metre, and crucially, only three days in this span crossed into the severe category. Not a single day crossed an AQI reading of 450.
In year-to-date terms, the January–November average of 187 compares with 201 in 2024, 190 in 2023, 199 in 2022, 197 in 2021, 172 in 2020, 203 in 2019 and 213 in 2018. This pattern indicates a cleaner air season relative to recent years, continuing the downward trend seen in PM2.5 and PM10 figures.
Delhi has also logged a prolonged spell of ‘very poor’ or worse air days recently, with the AQI staying above 300 for the 23rd consecutive day. The current stretch began on November 6, with a burst of three days of ‘severe’ air from November 11 to November 13, underscoring that pockets of unhealthy air persist amid the broader improvement.
Officials say the improvements reflect changes in emissions and weather patterns, suggesting that policy measures and cleaner practices are beginning to pay off. While the overall picture is better, residents are reminded to take precautions during episodes of poor air, especially for vulnerable groups.
Cover image source: Delhi’s toxic air dips but stays in ‘poor’ zone; protest call for December 3 🔗
