February Air Cleanest Since AQI System Was Rolled Out

The Capital recorded its cleanest February this year since 2016, coinciding with an unusually warm month compared to the past few years, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and India Meteorological Department (IMD) data.

- Aheli Das

NEW DELHI:

The average air quality index for the month was 214 ("poor"). Meanwhile, the 24-hour average AQI on Friday was 121 ("moderate"), according to CPCB's daily bulletin.

There was also scattered rainfall on Friday evening, with 0.8mm of rainfall recorded at the Safdarjung weather station between 5.30pm and 8.30pm. The Najafgarh and SPS Mayur Vihar weather stations recorded 0.5mm of rainfall in the same period.

To be sure, the air quality was still in the "poor" range for the entire month, with multiple stages of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) being enforced intermittently, restricting movement of vehicles, disrupting classes, halting construction, and leading to bans on diesel-powered machinery.

Air quality

Over the past years, Delhi recorded an average AQI of 218 in 2024, 237 in 2023, 225 in 2022, 288 in 2021, 241 in 2020, 242 in 2019, 243 in 2018, 267 in 2017 and 293 in 2016.