Since 2015, when the Central Pollution Control Board began recording air quality index data, a protracted period of rain in early October gave Delhi its second-best air quality in the month.
The capital’s average air quality index for the month was 210, the greatest reading since October of the previous year when it was 173.
In 2020, AQI was, on average, 265; in 2019, it was 234; in 2018, it was 268; in 2017, it was 285; and in 2016, it was 264.
“Our country experiences seasonal air quality decline. This is due to the contamination of dust from nearby nations. Pollutants build up as a result of low wind speed. Pollutants are accumulated due to building activities, excessive vehicle use, and stubble burning.
Dipankar Saha, a former head of the CPCB’s air lab, asserted that implementing the Graded Response Action Plan would unquestionably lower pollution levels.
Due to abundant rains in October, the city recorded two “excellent” air quality days—the most in eight years—and four “sufficient” days.
The best 24-hour average AQI for Delhi since August 31, 2020, was 44 on October 10.
From 2015 to 2020, the city had no “good” air quality days.
The greatest October rainfall total recorded in Delhi since 1956 was 128.2 mm. Until October 15, the rain prevented agricultural fires and kept the air clean.
Despite unfavorable weather, pollution levels rose again in the second part of the month. Emissions from burning stubble pushed the air quality into the ‘very poor category on Diwali.
The AQI has largely remained in the ‘very poor’ zone.
