Delhi-NCR has recorded its best air quality in eight years for the period between January and August 2025, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) for this period stood at 172, down from 187 in 2024 and 194 in 2022, marking a steady improvement in recent years.
August 2025 saw 23 ‘Good’ or ‘Satisfactory’ days, higher than 19 in 2018 and 29 in 2024. The month’s average AQI was 89, reflecting cleaner air, aided by favorable weather conditions and ongoing pollution control efforts. Notably, Delhi did not record a single day with AQI above 400 (‘Severe’ category) during this period, a significant drop compared to previous years.
The city also experienced the highest number of ‘Satisfactory’ days since 2018 (excluding 2020, when Covid-19 lockdowns temporarily improved air quality), totaling 65 days. Particulate matter levels also fell, with PM2.5 averaging 74 µg/m³ and PM10 at 169 µg/m³, both lower than in recent years.
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said it continues to work with multiple stakeholders to implement effective pollution control measures. Authorities aim to maintain this positive trend and further improve air quality in the coming months.
A combination of stricter regulations, ongoing initiatives, and favorable meteorological conditions has contributed to cleaner air in the national capital, offering relief to residents who have long battled high pollution levels.
