As on 30th June, the average air quality of Delhi is in ‘Moderate’ Category i.e. below 200 AQI. Favourable meteorological/ weather conditions coupled with consistent, comprehensive and concerted efforts by Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) and various stakeholders to control air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) helped in achieving better overall air quality in Delhi during the first half of current year.

During the first six months of current year, Delhi experienced a remarkable increase in the number of days categorized as 'Good to Moderate' on the Air Quality Index (AQI). During the 08 years i.e. from 2016 to 2023 (for the period January – June), Delhi registers its best air quality during current year (barring the periods of very low anthropogenic, industrial and commercial activities during the year 2020 due to Covid-19 lockdown as depicted in the graph) with highest number of ‘Good to Moderate’ Air Quality Days.

A comparative chart for days with ‘Good to Moderate’ Air Quality witnessed during the first half-year period of each year between 2016-2023 is depicted below:

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.

During this period, Delhi has also experienced least number of days with ‘Poor to Severe’ Air Quality in 2023, as compared to the corresponding period of last 07 years since 2016 (barring 2020 – the year of lockdown due to Covid). 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.

The average AQI for Delhi during this period also remained in Moderate AQI category i.e. below 200. 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):

Considering the daily average PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentration levels, during the first half-year period of 2023, Delhi has witnessed the lowest levels of daily average PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentration, as compared to the corresponding period for last 07 years i.e. from 2016 (barring 2020 – the year of lockdown due to Covid as depicted in the graph).

A comparative chart depicting PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 running average (µg/m³) for the first half-year period during the 08 years (2016-2023) is placed below:

This improvement signifies a substantial reduction in air pollutants, with lower levels of particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) and other harmful emissions. This declining trend has been sustained over a considerable period and is a testament to the commitment and action taken by CAQM and various stakeholders to improve the overall air quality of Delhi-NCR.

The Commission reiterates that it is essential to maintain the momentum and continue to strive for better air quality in Delhi-NCR in the days to come. CAQM is working closely with various stakeholders concerned to take effective measures for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution and to improve the overall air quality in the region.

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MJPS