2024 clocked highest PM2.5 since '19: Data

The annual average concentration of PM2.5 (particulate matter having a diameter of 2.5 microns or less), a key pollutant responsible for Delhi's annual pollution cycle, clocked a five-year high till December 25, according to data provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

Until December 25 this year, Delhi recorded a PM2.5 concentration of 104.08 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3)—over two-and-a-half times the safe limit of 40 µg/m3—which was the worst since Delhi clocked an average of 105.57 µg/m3 in 2019.

Further, the data suggested that Delhi is on course to record its most polluted year in terms of annual PM2.5 concentration since 2021, when the annual average PM2.5 concentration (till December 31) was 104.95 µg/m3. Delhi's annual PM2.5 average last year was 100.21 µg/m3 and it was 98 µg/m3 in 2022.

Experts said the lack of active western disturbances, coupled with a possible increase in local pollution, could be the cause for higher pollution levels this year.