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Delhi's Air Quality Hits Record Low in 2025, Marking a "Year of Change"

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that 2025 marked a significant improvement in the city's air quality, with both PM2.5 and PM10 levels reaching their lowest recorded levels compared to 2024. The average PM2.5 level decreased from 104 to 97, while PM10 fell from 212 to 198, which Sirsa credited to the government's policies and scientific planning. Concurrently, the Commission for Air Quality Management revoked Stage-III GRAP restrictions across the NCR due to the sustained improvement, though Stages I and II remain in force. Authorities will continue monitoring the situation as forecasts predict air quality may remain in the poor to very poor categories in the coming days.

Key Points: Delhi's Air Quality Improves in 2025: PM2.5 & PM10 Drop

  • PM2.5 dropped from 104 to 97
  • PM10 fell from 212 to 198
  • GRAP Stage-III restrictions revoked
  • Improvement attributed to scientific planning
2 min read

2025 became year of change for Delhi's air: Manjinder Sirsa

Delhi's 2025 air quality shows major improvement with PM2.5 and PM10 at record lows. GRAP Stage-III restrictions lifted as AQI improves.

"2025 became the year of change for Delhi's air. - Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Delhi Environment Minister"

New Delhi, January 2

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Friday shared the Air Quality Index figures for the national capital for 2025, stating that both particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 reached their lowest levels compared to 2024.

In a post on X, Sirsa said, "2025 became the year of change for Delhi's air. Both PM2.5 and PM10 reached their lowest levels so far. Compared to 2024, the average PM2.5 level in 2025 dropped from 104 to 97, while PM10 also recorded a notable improvement, falling from 212 to 198. These figures are a victory for our government's policy and intent."

Additionally, he lauded Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and her leadership for taking effective action against pollution.

He noted that scientifically backed planning played a huge role in their fight against dangerous levels of pollution.

"With scientific planning alongside on-the-ground rigour--from dust control to vehicle pollution, strict action on industries, and waste management--work happened on every front, and today its results are crystal clear.", he concluded his post.

The Centre's Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday also revoked Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR), citing a significant improvement in air quality.

According to the data, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI), which stood at 380 on Thursday, improved to 236 by 4 pm on January 2, indicating a consistent decline. In view of the improvement, the CAQM Sub-Committee decided to lift all measures under Stage III, effective immediately. However, actions prescribed under GRAP Stages I and II will continue to remain in force across the NCR to prevent further deterioration in air quality.

As per the official order, GRAP-I and II will continue in view of the winter season when weather conditions are not favourable, and to ensure that AQI levels do not slip further, citizens are requested to adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP-I & II strictly.

They added that IMD/IITM predicts that the AQI will remain in the poor to very poor category in the coming days, and the Sub-Committee will keep a close watch on the air quality situation and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decisions, depending on the Air Quality in Delhi.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While any improvement is welcome, an AQI of 236 is still 'poor' and hazardous to health. We should not celebrate too early. The real victory will be when we have 'moderate' air for most of the year, not just marginal improvements from 'severe' to 'very poor'.
R
Rohit P
Finally some positive data! The GRAP restrictions are a pain, but if they are working, we should support them. Lifting Stage-III is a relief for businesses. Hope the citizens also do their part in carpooling and avoiding waste burning.
S
Sarah B
As a long-term resident, I can feel the difference this winter. Fewer days of that thick, choking smog. Credit where it's due - the focus on waste management and industrial action seems to be paying off. Let's keep this momentum.
V
Vikram M
The government is quick to take credit, but what about the stubble burning from neighbouring states? That's a major factor every October-November. Unless that is solved holistically with Punjab and Haryana, these gains might be temporary. A collaborative approach is needed.
K
Kavya N
Good to see data-driven claims. "Scientifically backed planning" is the key phrase here. Hope this means more electric buses, better metro connectivity, and permanent solutions, not just annual crisis management when the air turns brown. Our children deserve better.

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