Favorable weather conditions in Delhi, as well as continued tight monitoring and enforcement measures at the ground level by numerous stakeholder agencies, have resulted in higher air quality in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) till this point in 2023.
As of June 30th, the average air quality in Delhi is in the ‘Moderate’ category, i.e. less than 200 AQI.
During the first six months of this year, Delhi saw a significant increase in the number of days classified as ‘Good to Moderate’ on the Air Quality Index (AQI). Delhi has the best air quality in the last eight years, from 2016 to 2023 (for the months of January to June).
The number of ‘Good to Moderate’ Air Quality Days for the first half-year period (i.e. January to June) was 30 in the year 2016; 57 in 2017; 65 in 2018; 78 in 2019; 126 in 2020; 84 in 2021; 54 in 2022; and 101 in the current year 2023.
The number of ‘Poor to Severe’ Air Quality Days for the first half-year period (January to June) have also been progressively reducing from 147 in the year 2016 to 80 in the current year 2023.
Delhi has reported its lowest Average AQI during current year (January – June) compared to the corresponding period for the last 07 years i.e. from 2016 (barring 2020 – the year of lockdown due to Covid as depicted in the graph).
The chart below depicts the Average AQI for the first half-year period during the 08 years (2016-2023):
This improvement represents a significant decrease in air pollutants, with reduced levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and other hazardous emissions. This downward trend has been continued for a long time and is a testimonial to the dedication and effort done by Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) and other stakeholders to enhance Delhi-NCR air quality.
Reference- TOI, CPCB website, Hindustan Times, BBC, National Geographic