Gurgaon recorded its cleanest May air in five years this year, with not a single day falling into the 'poor' category. According to experts, this improvement was driven largely by frequent thunderstorms, rain, and strong winds that helped disperse pollutants, rather than any specific pollution mitigation measures.
Air Quality Index Trends
The city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) for May 2026 stood at 149.5, classified as 'moderate'. This marks a notable improvement from 163.5 in May 2025 and a significant drop from 219.8 in May 2024 and 204.9 in May 2022, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. For context, an AQI between 0 and 50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.
May 2026 recorded the best air quality since 2021, when the average AQI was 121.3, and was the third-cleanest May in the last 11 years. The highest AQI during the month was 194 on May 21, while the lowest was 86 on May 30. In contrast, May 2025 had four 'poor' days, with AQI reaching 316 on May 15 and 288 on May 20 and 21. May 2024 saw AQI cross 300 on four days, peaking at 351 on May 4.
Meteorological Factors
Officials attributed the improvement primarily to weather conditions. Gurgaon experienced several rounds of thunderstorms, dust storms, and rainfall, particularly in the second half of May, which also led to a sharp drop in temperatures. A meteorological department official noted, "There were multiple western disturbances during the month that brought rain and strong winds across the region. Such conditions improve ventilation and help in dispersal of pollutants, resulting in lower AQI levels."
The city also saw an unusually cool end to May, with the maximum temperature falling to 34.4 degrees Celsius on May 29, nearly 9 degrees below normal, after remaining above 43 degrees Celsius on May 26 and 27.
Expert Caution on Long-Term Trends
However, experts warned that the cleaner air does not indicate a long-term improvement in pollution levels. Dr. Abul Amir Khan, head of Amity Centre for Air Pollution Control at Amity University Haryana, told TOI, "Lasting improvements in air quality will require stronger emission control measures, effective policy enforcement, and continued public engagement. The recent improvement appears largely driven by favourable meteorological conditions. This underscores the role of anthropogenic emissions and shows that meaningful reductions can be achieved through sustained human intervention. While gradual progress in policy implementation and public participation may be reflected, further efforts are needed. Major pollution sources like vehicular emissions, road dust, construction, and industrial emissions persist. Favourable weather can temporarily lower concentrations but does not address root causes."
Contributing Factors and Future Outlook
Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) officials highlighted that road dust and construction activities remain major contributors to Gurgaon's air pollution. An HSPCB official stated, "Various mitigation measures are implemented year-round, but sustained improvements require stricter dust control, better public transport, and effective monitoring of construction activities."
While air quality typically improves during monsoon and pre-monsoon months, pollution levels rise from October and peak in winter when meteorological conditions trap pollutants over Delhi-NCR. CREA air analyst Manoj Kumar added, "Gurgaon recorded a marginal improvement in May 2026 compared to May 2025, a trend seen across several NCR cities. Favourable weather likely contributed, but ozone remained a prominent pollutant during summer. While efforts have focused on particulate matter, controlling gaseous pollutants is increasingly needed."
