Delhi has recorded the lowest average air quality index (AQI) for the period from January to November since 2018, excluding the lockdown year of 2020, as reported by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday.
The CAQM noted that only three days during the January to November timeframe experienced a daily average AQI that surpassed the ‘severe’ category.
This year’s average AQI for the January-November period was 187, compared to 201 in 2024, 190 in 2023, 199 in 2022, 197 in 2021, 172 in 2020, 203 in 2019, and 213 in 2018, according to a statement from the CAQM, as cited by a PTI news agency report.
The statement further indicated that there was not a single day during this period where the AQI reading exceeded 450.
PM2.5 concentration reaches its lowest level since 2018: CAQM
The PM2.5 concentration recorded up to November 27 was the lowest since 2018, matching the levels of 2020.
This year, the average concentration was 85 micrograms per cubic metre, compared to 98 in 2024, 90 in 2023 and 2022, 95 in 2021, 85 in 2020, 99 in 2019, and 103 in 2018, as reported by PTI.
Similarly, the PM10 levels were also the lowest for the same timeframe since 2018, with the exception of 2020. The average PM10 concentration this year was 183 micrograms per cubic metre, in contrast to 205 in 2024, 193 in 2023, 202 in 2022, 200 in 2021, 167 in 2020, 210 in 2019, and 228 in 2018.
Delhi has experienced its second-longest duration of ‘very poor’ air quality days since 2019, as the AQI has remained above 300 for the 23rd consecutive day, according to information from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
At 4 pm, when the CPCB publishes its daily national bulletin, Delhi’s average AQI was noted to be 369.
The current streak of poor air quality commenced on November 6, which included three days classified as ‘severe’ air quality from November 11 to 13.
