Delhi residents are experiencing a welcome change as the city enjoys its cleanest air quality streak of 2025, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining below 100 for 11 consecutive days. This marks the longest continuous period of "satisfactory" or "good" air quality the capital has seen this year.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an AQI of 76 at 4 PM on Sunday, continuing the trend of improved air quality. An AQI between 51 and 100 is classified as "satisfactory," meaning only minor breathing discomfort for sensitive individuals, while an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good" with minimal impact. Delhi's AQI dropped from 134, which is considered "moderate," on June 25th to 94, or "satisfactory," on June 26th and has remained below 100 since.
Several factors have contributed to this extended period of cleaner air. Intermittent rainfall has played a significant role in washing away pollutants and suppressing dust. Additionally, relatively mild daytime temperatures have helped to prevent the build-up of smog. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that this welcome respite may continue, forecasting more rain and thunderstorms. A yellow alert has been issued for light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to settle around 33 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius, respectively.
While this recent improvement is encouraging, Delhi has been making strides in improving its air quality over the past few months. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa noted that from January to May 2025, the average AQI was 214, an improvement from the 231 recorded during the same period in 2024. The average PM2.5 concentration also dropped to 95 micrograms per cubic meter, down from 111 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024. Furthermore, during the first quarter of 2025, Delhi experienced 36 days with an AQI below 200, compared to only 13 such days in 2021.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has been actively involved in managing air pollution in Delhi-NCR. When Delhi's AQI improved to 140 on June 15, 2025, the CAQM revoked Stage-I restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR). GRAP Stage-I had been enforced on June 7, 2025, due to deteriorating air quality. The Sub-Committee on GRAP of CAQM decided to withdraw Stage-I measures, citing favorable meteorological conditions and forecasts predicting the average air quality of Delhi to stay in the "moderate" category.
Looking back to earlier in the year, Delhi recorded its lowest AQI of 2025 on a Friday in February, with an average AQI of 121. The CAQM highlighted that this was the best air quality recorded in January and February over the past three years, marking a significant improvement since 2023.
It's important to remember that while weather patterns and seasonal changes can provide temporary relief, they cannot solve Delhi's air crisis alone. Structural pollution sources need to be addressed to ensure long-term improvements in air quality. Preventive planning, stricter emission controls, and consistent implementation of regulations are crucial for sustaining cleaner air in Delhi.
