Record improvement in Delhi’s air quality in 2024: Commission

Releasing its year-end data, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday said the city recorded 209 days of "Good to Moderate" air quality — its best performance since the Covid-affected year of 2020.

Delhi achieved its best-ever average air quality index (AQI) for February, August and December compared to years since 2018, excluding the lockdown year of 2020, the data said.

There were only 157 days categorised as "Poor to Severe," marking a consistent decline from the 206 days recorded in 2018, it added.

“These improvements are a testament to the persistent efforts and collaborative measures undertaken by stakeholders across the National Capital Region,” a CAQM spokesperson stated.

“While meteorological factors such as prolonged dry spells in May and low-speed winds in January posed challenges, targeted interventions ensured the overall air quality improved significantly,” the report noted.

In February 2024, the city recorded an AQI of 218, the lowest for the month in recent years. In August, the national capital saw an improvement with an AQI of 72, the best since 2018.

Conversely, in January, Delhi saw its highest AQI of 355 due to still wind conditions exacerbating pollution.