The number of 'Poor to Severe Air Quality' days down from 108 in 2016 and 68 in 2023
GN Bureau | May 1, 2023
Delhi has witnessed a maximum number of days with ‘Good to Moderate’ Air Quality during the first four months of 2023, compared to the corresponding period of last seven years (barring the periods of very low anthropogenic, industrial and commercial activities during the Covid-19 lockdown year 2020), according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
A comparative chart for days with ‘Good to Moderate’ AQI witnessed for the first four months’ period during the eight years (2016-23) is depicted below:
The number of ‘Good to Moderate’ Air Quality days for January-April period were 8 in 2016; 29 in 2017; 32 in 2018; 44 in 2019; 68 in 2020; 31 in 2021; 27 in 2022; and 52 this year, according to an official release issued Sunday.
During this period, Delhi has also experienced the least number of days with ‘Poor to Severe’ Air Quality in 2023, as compared to the corresponding period of last 07 years since 2016 (except 2020 – the year of the lockdown).
The number of ‘Poor to Severe’ Air Quality Days for the first four months have come down from 108 in 2016 to 68 in the current year, which is a 37.03% drop.
In terms of daily average, PM2.5 concentration levels in Delhi, 2023 has been the year with lowest levels of daily average PM2.5 concentration, as compared to the corresponding period for last seven years, i.e., from 2016 (barring 2020). Moreover, 2023 has also been the year with lowest levels of daily average PM10 concentration in Delhi, as compared to the corresponding period for last seven years.
A comparative chart depicting the PM10 and PM2.5 running average (µg/m3) for the January-April period during the eight years (2016-23) is given below:
Delhi has also reported its lowest Average AQI in 2023 as compared to the corresponding period for last 07 years i.e. from 2016 (barring 2020). A comparative chart depicting the Average AQI for the first four months’ period (January to April) during the eight years is given below:
Persistent field-level efforts and targeted policy initiatives in the short/ medium/ long term are expected to result in gradual but marked improvement in the air quality.
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