NEW DELHI: Delhi has achieved a remarkable milestone with 22 consecutive days of satisfactory air quality, the longest stretch since 2020, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This is the first time since July 28 that the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) has been consistently below 100. The last significant streak was during the 2020 lockdown, which lasted for 51 days.
Excluding 2020, this is the longest period of good air quality recorded since the CPCB began tracking AQI in 2015. The previous notable streak began on July 16 and ended on September 4, driven by rainy weather and decreased emissions during the Covid-19 lockdown. September 2021 saw another impressive 20-day streak of satisfactory air quality.
The CPCB defines an AQI between 51 and 100 as "satisfactory." On Sunday, Delhi’s AQI was measured at 82, slightly up from Saturday’s 74. The current streak started on July 28, with an AQI of 83. The monsoon season typically contributes to cleaner air due to the effects of wind and rain.
So far in August, Delhi has received 240.2mm of rainfall, surpassing the average for the month. In July, the city recorded 209.7mm of rainfall. Since the start of the monsoon season in June, Delhi has accumulated 687.3mm of rain, exceeding the average of 640.4mm expected from June to September.
The combination of consistent rainfall and favorable wind speeds has significantly improved air quality. August has seen rain on nearly every day except August 3, marking Sunday as the 15th consecutive day of rain, the longest streak in at least 13 years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
On Sunday, several areas of Delhi experienced rainfall. The Safdarjung base station recorded a trace amount, while Mayur Vihar saw 17mm, Delhi University received 6mm, and the Ridge area had 5.3mm. The maximum temperature at Safdarjung was 34.6°C, with a minimum of 27°C.
The IMD forecasts very light rain for Monday, with a generally cloudy sky and temperatures expected to remain around 35°C. "We are seeing a significant improvement in air quality due to continuous rainfall and favorable wind conditions. This has greatly reduced particulate matter in the air, leading to healthier living conditions," said an IMD spokesperson.
Historical data supports that the monsoon season typically enhances air quality in Delhi by naturally dispersing pollutants. The city's ongoing rainfall and favorable wind conditions have been crucial in maintaining satisfactory air quality levels for an extended period.
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