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.

While Delhi's air quality gains are significant, the situation remains fragile. The city's air typically turns dire towards the end of the year, as cooler weather, crop stubble burning, and festive firecrackers combine to create a lethal haze. However, for now, residents of the capital are enjoying a rare window of clean air to breathe.