People enjoying the rainy weather at Lodhi Garden in Delhi
New Delhi: Delhi’s average AQI of 168 this month is the lowest Oct reading ever, thanks to a confluence of favourable factors, such as excess rainfall, a late Diwali and a low contribution of stubble burning to the emission load so far.
Data from Central Pollution Control Board shows that the average AQI was 265 in 2020, 234 in 2019, 269 in 2018, 285 in 2017, 271 in 2016 and 264 in 2015. After moderate to heavy rainfall in Delhi and its adjoining areas, the air quality improved from 222 in the poor category Thursday to 60 in the satisfactory range Friday. A lower AQI than this in Oct was last recorded on Oct 11, 2022, when the reading was 44.
The excess rainfall throughout the month scrubbed ambient particulates while also aiding dispersion, she said. the improvement is largely meteorology-driven,” Roychowdhury said While this drop offers relief. It was also the cleanest Oct day in four years. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director-research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment, sounded caution while explaining the reasons for the lower AQI. “This minimised the transboundary smoke contribution from regional farm stubble burning. Also this time, Diwali firecracker emissions are not impacting Oct’s air quality. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Delhi | Silver Rate in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Petrol Price in Delhi | Diesel Price in Delhi | CNG Price in Delhi | LPG Price in Delhi