Cleanest air in three years! Delhi’s AQI drops to 85; Secret behind this sudden change

In a refreshing turn of events, the national capital, Delhi, recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 85 today, marking the lowest pollution level between January 1 and March 15 in the past three years. This also marks the first time this year that Delhi’s AQI has fallen into the ‘satisfactory’ category (AQI 51-100), as per the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

How much this record means is that it is only the first such 'satisfactory' AQI day Delhi has seen in the last five years since March. Delhiites have been able to get fresh air sparingly in this manner since 2020, so this feat is a milestone in history towards pollution control efforts.

Indications of declining air pollution

Experts attribute better weather conditions, an increase in wind speeds, and a strict pollution controlling measure. Seasonally, spring months witness increased levels of pollution, but this season, March surprised us with the otherwise welcome decline in air pollution levels.

Sigh of relief for Delhi citizens

85 being an AQI is good news for the citizens of Delhi, especially considering the air quality throughout the peak season normally falls into 'poor' or 'very poor' categories. The designation of an AQI of 'satisfactory' indicates pollutant concentrations that are safe enough for overall health, albeit while still advising caution to sensitive individuals.

What was the cause for the fall?

Though CAQM has not detected any specific cause of the sharp decline in pollution levels, festivities of Holi are believed to have played a role. Since government and private offices were mostly closed on the festival day, movement of vehicles was considerably checked, and there were lower emissions. Also, the strong winds helped to disperse the pollutants, thereby improving air quality.