Delhi experiences better air quality in four months of 2024

New Delhi: The national capital experienced better air quality in four months’ of 2024 compared to the previous year, as per an analysis by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Delhi residents received better Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the months of February, August, September, and December 2024 than in 2023. However, the air quality of the city remains in the ‘poor’ or ‘moderate’ category throughout the year, creating a lot of health issues, especially for children and the elderly.

In February 2024, the average AQI was 218, compared to 237 in 2023. Likewise, good quality air was experienced in August, with an average AQI of 72 compared to 116 in 2023. In September, the AQI slightly improved to 105 from 108. The air quality in December remained better, with an average AQI of 294 compared to 348 in 2023. However, the eight months in 2024 recorded higher AQI levels than 2023.

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On December 31, 2024, Delhi’s AQI was 283, categorized as ‘poor,’ as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marked a sharp increase from Monday’s AQI of 172, a 101-point rise within 24 hours.

Air quality readings across Delhi on Wednesday morning showed most areas in the ‘poor’ category. For instance, Okhla recorded an AQI of 251, Punjabi Bagh 247, Wazirpur 218, and Anand Vihar 227. In the National Capital Region (NCR), Noida Sector 62 recorded an AQI of 168, and Ghaziabad’s Indirapuram reported 221.

The air quality on New Year is likely to remain in the ‘moderate’ to ‘poor’ category throughout the day. In spite of some improvements due to recent rain, the need of the hour is to put in extra efforts to mitigate Delhi’s air pollution issues.