In a positive turn, Delhi experienced its cleanest February air quality in nine years, as revealed by data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Throughout the month, the air quality index remained consistently below 200, marking a significant improvement.
Furthermore, the national capital saw a notable increase in rainfall, reaching 32.5 mm in February, the highest recorded for the month since 2013.
Historical data from the CPCB illustrates a gradual decline in average AQI over recent years: 293 in 2016, 267 in 2017, 235 in 2018, 242 in 2019, 240 in 2020, 281 in 2021, 225 in 2022, 237 in 2023, and notably, 223 in 2024.
Delhi didn’t encounter a single day with an AQI surpassing 400, categorized as ‘severe,’ in February. Instead, there were four days with an AQI ranging between 300 and 400 (very poor), and 10 days with an AQI between 200 and 300 (poor).
Remarkably, until February 28, there were 14 consecutive days with an AQI below 200, classifying the air quality as moderate. (With inputs from PTI)
