This year is the first time in the last 8 years in the capital Delhi that from January to October, not a single day has recorded pollution level in the severe category of 400 or more. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) of the Government of India released the data today (31 October) and gave the information. From January to October this year, not even a single day was AQI 400 or more.
Whereas at the same time last year and 2023, AQI was 400 or more on 3 days in the first 10 months. For one day in 2022, 6 days in 2021, 2 days in 2020, 9 days in 2019 and 7 days in 2018, AQI was at the level of 400 or more from January to October.
Delhi’s air is the best this time in eight years
Similarly, according to CAQM, if we leave aside the year of Covid, when there were restrictions under lockdown, then from January to October this year, the best pollution level was recorded in eight years. This year, the 10-month average AQI was recorded at 170, whereas last year at the same time, the 10-month average pollution level in Delhi was 184. Apart from AQI, the average PM 2.5 level in Delhi this year was recorded at 72 µg/m3 and this is also the lowest in 8 years except the year 2020.
The weather changes in Delhi between September and October.
Apart from this, CAQM informed that between September and October, the weather changes in Delhi-NCR and the strong winds carrying moisture of monsoon start weakening. Also, dry and slow winds start blowing in their place. In such weather, there is less movement in the air, due to which smoke and dust cannot spread and pollution in the air increases.
Concrete steps are being taken to stop pollution
CAQM also said that it is working with various departments and agencies to improve the air quality in Delhi-NCR and steps are being taken to prevent, control and reduce pollution. Also, these efforts will be further intensified in the coming days so that the air of Delhi-NCR can be made cleaner.
