Delhi NCR Achieves Best Average Air Quality in Eight Years from January to October, Excluding COVID Lockdown Period
The air quality in Delhi-NCR has shown significant improvement from January to October 2025, marking the best average Air Quality Index (AQI) in eight years, excluding the lockdown year of 2020. The average AQI for this period stands at 170, a notable decrease from previous years. This year also recorded the lowest levels of particulate matter, with a substantial increase in days categorized as ‘Satisfactory.’ The Central Air Quality Management (CAQM) is actively collaborating with various stakeholders to further enhance air quality in the region.
Improved Air Quality Metrics
The average AQI of Delhi-NCR for the period from January to October 2025 has been recorded at 170. This figure is a marked improvement compared to previous years: 184 in 2024, 172 in 2023, 187 in 2022, 179 in 2021, 156 in 2020, 192 in 2019, and 201 in 2018. The data indicates a consistent downward trend in air pollution levels over the years, showcasing the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to combat air quality issues in the region. Notably, this year did not experience any days with an AQI exceeding 400, which falls into the ‘Severe’ category. In contrast, the previous years recorded several such days, highlighting a significant improvement in air quality.
Increase in ‘Satisfactory’ Days
The period from January to October 2025 also witnessed an increase in the number of ‘Satisfactory’ days, with a total of 79 days classified as such. This is a considerable rise from 66 days in 2024, 60 days in 2023, and 65 days in 2022. The year 2020, during the lockdown, had the highest number of satisfactory days at 95. This increase in favorable air quality days is a positive sign for residents of Delhi-NCR, indicating a potential shift towards better environmental conditions.
Reduction in Particulate Matter Levels
In addition to the improved AQI, the levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) have also seen a significant decline. The average PM2.5 concentration for the current year is 72 µg/m³, down from 83 µg/m³ in 2024 and lower than previous years. Similarly, the average PM10 concentration has dropped to 166 µg/m³, compared to 186 µg/m³ in 2024. These reductions in particulate matter are crucial for public health and indicate a positive trend in air quality management efforts.
Future Initiatives by CAQM
The Central Air Quality Management (CAQM) is committed to further improving air quality in Delhi-NCR. The organization is working closely with various stakeholders to implement effective measures for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution. With the current positive trends in air quality, CAQM aims to intensify its efforts to ensure that the improvements continue in the coming months. The collaboration between government agencies, local authorities, and the community will be vital in sustaining these advancements in air quality.
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