Delhi has made notable strides in air quality management, achieving its lowest average Air Quality Index (AQI) for September in five years, with the monthly average recorded at 102. This figure is a significant improvement compared to previous years, where the average AQI was 105 in both 2025 and 2024, 108 in 2023, and 104 in 2022. The data reveals a positive trend in air quality, as the city has also seen an increase in the number of days with moderate air quality in the first nine months of the year.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reported that between January and September 2026, Delhi recorded 194 days with a daily average AQI below 200. This is the highest number of moderate-air days in five years, surpassing the previous years' records of 187 days in 2025, 188 days in 2024, 193 days in 2023, and 146 days in 2022. Such improvements indicate effective measures being taken to combat air pollution in the capital.
- Significant reduction in AQI — The average AQI dropped to 102, the lowest in five years.
- Increase in moderate-air days — 194 days recorded with AQI below 200, showcasing better air quality.
- CAQM's proactive approach — The commission is working with various stakeholders to further improve air quality.
