What is the current air quality situation in Delhi?

Delhi's air quality has been the best in nearly a decade, with the city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 164 between January and September 2025, a significant improvement from previous years.

What factors have contributed to the improved air quality in Delhi?

Favorable weather conditions, including a milder summer and frequent monsoon rains, as well as regulatory efforts by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) have been credited for the improvement in Delhi's air quality.

How does Delhi's air quality in 2025 compare to previous years?

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's air quality in 2025 has been the best since 2018, excluding the exceptional year of 2020 when COVID-19 lockdowns brought emissions to a halt.

Home / Environment / Delhi Enjoys Cleanest Air in Nearly a Decade Amid Regulatory Efforts

Delhi Enjoys Cleanest Air in Nearly a Decade Amid Regulatory Efforts

2 Oct

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Summary

Delhi's air quality index reaches best level since 2018
Favorable weather and pollution control measures credited for improvement
No "severe" or "severe-plus" air days recorded in 2025 so far

Delhi Enjoys Cleanest Air in Nearly a Decade Amid Regulatory Efforts

Delhi has been enjoying its cleanest air in nearly a decade so far in 2025, with the city's air quality index (AQI) reaching its best level since 2018, excluding the exceptional year of 2020 when COVID-19 lockdowns brought emissions to a halt.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's average AQI between January and September 2025 stood at 164, a significant improvement from 178 in 2024 and 167 in 2023. The city also recorded no "severe" or "severe-plus" air days during this period, a stark contrast to previous years.

Experts attribute this positive trend to a combination of favorable weather conditions and regulatory efforts. The summer of 2025 was not as intense, with no heatwaves recorded, and the monsoon season brought frequent and intense spells of rain that helped wash away pollutants. Additionally, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has credited its own regulatory measures for the improving air quality.