December air cleanest since '15, when air data collection started

The Capital has recorded its cleanest first half of December ever since the compilation of air quality index (AQI) started in 2015, recording just one "very poor" air day in the first half of the month and no "severe" air day, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

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Besides, there were six "moderate" air days, which is also the highest number for December, and eight "poor" air days, according to CPCB.

Delhi's average AQI between December 1 and December 15 this year was 238, the lowest ever for December. Over the past nine years, the average AQI in the first half of December has been over 300, making this a significantly cleaner first half of the month.

Before this, the lowest average AQI in the first half of the month was 301, in 2022. The average AQI for the corresponding period last year was 327.

To be sure, there has been no "good" or "satisfactory" air day recorded in December since data collection started.