Delhi experienced its first ‘good’ air quality day of 2023 on 10 September, boasting an AQI reading of 45, marking the cleanest air quality in the city for the entire year, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.
Data from CPCB reveals that Ghaziabad and Noida recorded ‘good’ air quality levels, while Gurgaon reported ‘satisfactory’ air quality. The city witnessed continuous rainfall from the night of September 10 through the morning of September 11, with some areas experiencing rain until noon. Most regions reported moderate rainfall over the past 24 hours.
Although Delhi experienced significant rainfall, it continues to face a rainfall deficit for the month of September. As of September 10th, the city has recorded only 48.3 mm of rainfall, falling short of the normal average of 70 mm for this period.
In 2023, prior to the recent improvement in air quality on September 11, Delhi experienced its cleanest air on July 29 when AQI reached 59, categorizing it as “satisfactory.” Comparatively, in the preceding year, Delhi had only three ‘good’ air quality days, all occurring in September and October.
Meanwhile, it’s important to note that Delhi’s Environmental Minister, Gopal Rai, has announced a renewed ban on all types of firecrackers due to concerns about increased pollution levels during the winter season.
“CM Arvind Kejriwal has decided to ban firecrackers on Diwali to control pollution. The manufacturing, storage, sale, online delivery, and bursting of any type of firecrackers are completely prohibited in Delhi,” Gopal Rai said.
During a press conference, Gopal Rai pointed out a positive trend in Delhi’s AQI from January to August. Nonetheless, he voiced apprehensions regarding the approaching winter season, historically characterized by rising levels of particulate matter in the city’s air. In response to this concern, he stated that the government is actively developing a comprehensive winter action plan to combat pollution.