Air in December this year is so far worst since 2018

Delhi recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 373 on December 18, according to the 4pm bulletin of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that gives the 24-hour average of AQI, making it the eighth straight day when the air in the national capital has been in the very poor (301-400) or severe (401 and above) range.

- Abhishek Jha

With the first eight days of the month also in the “very poor” range, the average AQI for the month has climbed to 343, the second worst for this part of the month 2015 onward, when CPCB started publishing these bulletins. A higher average was recorded only in 2016, when this was 366.

To be sure, it is only from 2018 that the average number of functioning air quality stations in Delhi went up to over 30 as they are right now, giving a geographically more representative picture of the city’s air. If comparisons are made from 2018 onward, the air in the first 18 days of December this year is the most polluted on record. While adverse weather had some role in this, weather data shows that this alone cannot be blamed for the record-breaking pollution. In other words, this is the level of pollution Delhi can expect to have every year from now if the sources of pollution aren't tackled and fast winds or rain do not do their bit.