Improvement in Delhi's Air Quality: September Records Lowest Average AQI in Five Years

A positive trend in the overall air quality of Delhi-NCR has been observed. According to data released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Delhi recorded its lowest monthly average Air Quality Index (AQI) for the month of September in the current year compared to the same period over the last five years (2022 to 2026). The monthly average AQI for Delhi in September 2026 was 102, whereas it was 105 in 2025, 105 in 2024, 108 in 2023, and 104 in 2022.

An analysis of the period from January to September 2026 reveals that the number of days with a daily average AQI below 200 ('Moderate' category) has been the highest this year compared to the previous five years. In 2026, 194 such days were recorded, compared to 187 in 2025, 188 in 2024, 193 in 2023, and 146 in 2022. During the same period, the number of days in the 'Poor to Severe+' category was the lowest in five years, with 79 days recorded in 2026. In comparison, there were 86 days in 2025, 86 days in 2024, 80 days in 2023, and 127 days in 2022.

Looking at the PM2.5 concentration data, the average PM2.5 concentration in Delhi up to September 28, 2026, was recorded at 69 µg/m³, which is the lowest combined level for the same period since 2022. The concentration was 69 µg/m³ in 2025, 81 µg/m³ in 2024, 73 µg/m³ in 2023, and 80 µg/m³ in 2022.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is working in coordination with various stakeholders to implement effective measures for the prevention, control, and reduction of air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The administration will further intensify efforts to improve air quality conditions in the coming days.