Delhi Breathes Easier: 'Good To Moderate' Air Quality Days In January-April 2023 Highest In Last Seven Years

Delhi witnessed maximum number of days with ‘Good to Moderate’ air quality during the January-April 2023, as compared to the corresponding period of last seven years since 2016, as per Air Quality Index (AQI) data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The data, however, excludes the periods of very low anthropogenic, industrial and commercial activities during the Covid-19 lockdown year 2020.

The number of ‘Good to Moderate’ air quality days in Delhi for the first four months’ period (January to April) were eight in the year 2016; 29 in 2017; 32 in 2018; 44 in 2019; 68 in 2020; 31 in 2021; 27 in 2022; and 52 in the current year 2023, according to an Environment Ministry release on Sunday (30 April).

Further, Delhi's number of 'Poor to Severe' Air Quality days in 2023 is the lowest compared to the past seven years since 2016, (except 2020 – year of Covid lockdown).

The quantity of 'Poor to Severe' Air Quality days from January to April notably decreased from 108 in 2016 to 68 in 2023, with a percentage drop of 37.03.

Delhi also witnessed the lowest daily average PM2.5 concentration levels in 2023, in comparison to the last seven years excluding 2020's Covid lockdown period.

In Delhi, the year 2023 also witnessed the lowest daily average PM10 concentration compared to the last seven years, excluding 2020 due to the Covid lockdown.

Further, in 2023, Delhi also reported its lowest average AQI in seven years, except for 2020 due to the Covid lockdown.

According to the Environment Ministry, Persistent field-level efforts and targeted policy initiatives in the short, medium and long term are expected to result in gradual but marked improvement in the air quality.