Delhi records year’s lowest average AQI of 175

Delhi recorded its lowest average air quality index (AQI) of 175 for the period between January 1 and November 9, compared to 189 during the same period last year, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said on Monday.

PM2.5 and PM10 levels also fell to 75 µg/m³ and 170 µg/m³, from 87 µg/m³ and 191 µg/m³, respectively, last year, the commission said.

The CAQM reported a significant reduction in stubble burning incidents. “Between September 15 and November 9, Punjab recorded 4,062 fire events as against 6,266 (ie 35.2% decline) during the corresponding period in 2024, while Haryana registered only 333 fire counts this year compared to 959 (65.3% decline) witnessed during the corresponding period last year,” the commission said in a statement.

The CAQM said it was monitoring compliance with statutory directions and coordinating with the state governments to tackle crop residue burning. The monitoring body said Delhi had processed over 23 lakh tonnes of legacy waste. Additional waste-to-energy capacity of 7,000 tonnes per day (TPD) and 750 TPD of Bio-CNG/CBG capacity are being developed across the NCR.

The CAQM has directed the installation of CCTV cameras, methane detectors and fire suppression systems at landfill sites to curb emissions and fires. Measures under Stage I and II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) are in effect in the NCR to prevent further air quality deterioration.

Under these restrictions, actions include road sweeping, water sprinkling, anti-smog guns and restrictions on diesel generator use.

The CAQM has banned entry of BS-III and below commercial goods vehicles into Delhi from November 1. From January 2026, only CNG and electric three-wheelers will be allowed for induction in fleet operations.

In industrial sector, over 96 per cent of units in the NCR have shifted to approved fuels, with 3,551 industries connected to continuous emission monitoring systems.

More than 30,000 construction site inspections have been conducted, leading to 250 closures for non-compliance, the commission informed. Over 4.37 crore saplings have been planted across the NCR in 2025–26, the CAQM said.