The national capital has recorded its lowest average Air Quality Index (AQI) for the January to May period in the last eight years, excluding the year 2020 when Covid-19 restrictions led to a significant reduction in pollution levels. This information was released by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Average AQI Data
Data from the commission reveals that Delhi's average AQI between January and May 2026 stood at 211. For comparison, the average AQI was 214 in 2025, 231 in 2024, 213 in 2023, 238 in 2022, 235 in 2021, 181 in 2020, 237 in 2019, and 243 in 2018. This indicates a notable improvement in air quality over the years.
Good to Moderate Air Quality Days
In a post on X, the CAQM stated that Delhi recorded 75 days with 'Good to Moderate' AQI during January-May 2026. This is higher than 70 days in 2025, 75 in 2024, 74 in 2023, 37 in 2022, 59 in 2021, 98 in 2020, 59 in 2019, and 44 in 2018 during the same period. The increase in good to moderate days reflects ongoing efforts to combat air pollution.
May 2026 AQI Analysis
The commission also highlighted that Delhi's average AQI in May 2026 was 157, making it the lowest for the month in the last eight years, except for 2020 and 2021. The average AQI in May was 170 in 2025, 223 in 2024, 171 in 2023, 212 in 2022, 144 in both 2021 and 2020, 221 in 2019, and 217 in 2018. This shows a significant improvement compared to recent years.
Overall Improvement
The latest figures suggest an overall improvement in Delhi's air quality, with the city recording a higher number of 'Good' and 'Moderate' air quality days compared to several previous years. This positive trend is a result of various measures implemented to reduce pollution sources.
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