The 30 days period of April in 2024 also witnessed significant reduction in daily average PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations as compared to the corresponding period in the previous years.
Delhi recorded maximum number of ‘Good to Moderate’ air quality days in April, 2024 as compared to the corresponding period of last 06 years starting from 2018 (except 2020 – the year of lockdown due to the COVI-19 lockdown), denoting a marked improvement. The number of days with ‘Good to Moderate’ air quality in Delhi during April, 2024 were 23 as against 17 in 2023; 0 in 2022; 18 in 2021; 30 in 2020; 12 in 2019; and 08 in 2018.
According to a PIB press release, this has been possible due to favourable meteorological/ weather conditions coupled with consistent, comprehensive and concerted efforts by Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) and various stakeholders to control air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Keeping ‘Poor to Severe’ air quality days under control, during April 2024, Delhi experienced only 07 days with AQI > 200, as per the CPCB data. Number of days with AQI > 200 were 13 in 2023, 30 in 2022, 12 in 2021, 18 in 2019 and 22 in 2018.
The average AQI for Delhi during this period also remained in Moderate AQI category i.e. below 200. During April, 2024 Delhi experienced its second lowest monthly average Air Quality Index (AQI) as compared to the corresponding month of April for the last six-year period from 2018 (barring 2020 – the year of lockdown due to COVID-19). Month-wise daily average AQI in Delhi for April was 182 in 2024, 180 in 2023, 255 in 2022, 202 in 2021, 110 in 2020, 211 in 2019, and 222 in 2018.
Considering the daily average PM2.5 and PM10 concentration levels, the 30 days period of April in 2024 also witnessed significant reduction in daily average PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations as compared to the corresponding period in the previous years.
The CAQM is working closely with various stakeholders concerned to take effective measures for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution and to improve the overall air quality in NCR.
Image: Wikimedia
