Delhi records lowest average AQI for January-May 2026 in 8 years: CAQM
New Delhi, May 31
Delhi recorded its lowest average Air Quality Index for the January-May period in eight years, barring 2020 when Covid-19 restrictions significantly curtailed economic and transport activities, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management.
In a post on X, CAQM stated that the city recorded an average AQI of 211 in 2026, marking an improvement over previous years.
"The avg AQI of Delhi for Jan-May during 2026 has been the lowest in 08 years (barring Covid-year 2020) as it recorded 211, as against 214 in 2025, 231 in 2024, 213 in 2023, 238 in 2022, 235 in 2021, 181 in 2020, 237 in 2019 and 243 in 2018, during the corresponding period," CAQM's post read.
The commission highlighted that, apart from 2020 -- which saw unusually low pollution levels due to pandemic-related restrictions -- this is the lowest average AQI recorded in the city in the past eight years.
The CAQM also noted that the national capital recorded "75 'Good to Moderate' AQI days during January-May of year 2026, as against 70 in 2025, 75 in 2024, 74 in 2023, 37 in 2022, 59 in 2021, 98 in 2020, 59 in 2019 and 44 in 2018 respectively, during the corresponding period."
The improvement comes amid efforts by authorities to control pollution in the national capital, including stricter monitoring of industrial emissions, promotion of cleaner fuels, and restrictions on construction dust during peak pollution months.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's great to see improvement, but let's be real – barring 2020, we're comparing to years that were already terrible. 211 AQI might be the "lowest in 8 years" but it's still unhealthy, especially for kids and elderly. My mother's asthma still flares up in October-November. Need more focus on stubble burning solutions and vehicle emissions year-round, not just in winter.
As a Delhiite who remembers the 2018-19 winters when you couldn't see 50 meters ahead, this is definitely progress. The CAQM deserves some credit for stricter norms on industries and the push for CNG/electric vehicles. But I still see so many diesel gensets running in my neighborhood during power cuts – that needs to be tackled. Small steps, but we need a giant leap.
I appreciate the data, but what about the peripheral areas? I live in Ghaziabad and our AQI is usually worse than Delhi's. The NCR needs a unified strategy – it's pointless if Delhi cleans up while surrounding areas remain polluting. Also, why no mention of the anti-smog guns and the air purifier towers? Would love to see cost-benefit analysis of those investments.
My son's school now has more outdoor activity days compared to last year – that's a tangible change! But let's not forget that this Jan-May period includes pre-monsoon when winds are better. The real test will be October-November when stubble burning peaks and temperatures drop. CAQM should start winter action plan preparation now, not in September. Consistency is key!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.