Delhi records cleanest January-May air quality in 8 years
Delhi has recorded its cleanest air during the January-May period in the last eight years, excluding the Covid-19 lockdown year of 2020, according to data released by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
The capital's average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 211 during the first five months of 2026, showing an improvement from 214 recorded during the same period in 2025. The AQI was significantly higher in previous years, including 231 in 2024, 238 in 2022, 237 in 2019, and 243 in 2018.
CAQM also noted that May 2026 witnessed one of the cleanest air quality levels in recent years. The average AQI for the month was 157, better than 170 in May 2025 and substantially lower than 223 recorded in May 2024.
The city also experienced more days with relatively cleaner air. Between January and May 2026, Delhi recorded 75 days in the 'Good' to 'Moderate' AQI categories, compared to 70 such days during the same period last year.
The improvement reflects ongoing efforts to control pollution levels across the National Capital Region, although authorities continue to monitor air quality challenges throughout the year.
