Delhi records AQI of 85, cleanest air for Jan-March in three years

Delhi recorded its cleanest air in three years for the January to mid-March period, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 85 on Saturday. The improved air quality led the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to revoke restrictions under Stage 1 of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP). The city’s air quality improvement has been attributed to favourable weather conditions, including light rain and better wind flow.

Air quality shows improvement

On Saturday, Delhi recorded an average AQI of 85, which falls in the "satisfactory" category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This is the lowest AQI recorded during the January to mid-March period in the last three years. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) stated that this was the first time since 2020 that Delhi had experienced a "satisfactory" AQI in March.

According to CPCB data, the Anand Vihar air quality monitor recorded an AQI of 80 at 7 pm on Saturday, which also falls in the "satisfactory" category. The lowest AQI in the city for the day was recorded in Alipur at 48, which is considered "good."

The AQI scale used by CPCB classifies air quality as follows:

• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Satisfactory
• 101–200: Moderate
• 201–300: Poor
• 301–400: Very Poor
• 401–500: Severe

An AQI of 85 indicates that the air quality is satisfactory, meaning that air pollution levels are low and pose little or no health risk to the general public.

CAQM attributed the improvement in air quality to a combination of factors, including favourable weather, light rainfall, and improved wind patterns. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the minimum temperature in Delhi on Saturday was 19°C, while the maximum was 33°C. IMD also forecast light rain and thunderstorms, which further contributed to better air quality.

The CAQM, in an official statement, said, "Delhi has shown significant improvement in air quality due to favourable meteorological conditions, including rain and better wind patterns. The AQI for March 15, 2025, has been recorded at 85 in the 'satisfactory' category. The forecast for the coming days also indicates that the AQI will remain in the 'satisfactory to moderate' range."

The improved air quality prompted CAQM to lift restrictions under Stage 1 of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP). GRAP is a set of measures designed to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR, which includes restrictions on construction activities, use of diesel generators, and increased enforcement of traffic rules. Since the air quality improved, these restrictions were no longer needed.

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Weather conditions and forecast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the improved air quality was largely due to favourable weather patterns. Light rain and thunderstorms helped to clear pollutants from the atmosphere, resulting in cleaner air.

For Sunday, March 16, IMD predicted a generally cloudy sky with light rain in Delhi. The minimum temperature is expected to be around 17°C, while the maximum is likely to be around 32°C.

IMD also provided weather updates for other states. In northern Karnataka’s Kalaburagi district, Ainapur Hobli recorded a maximum temperature of 42.8°C in the last 24 hours, indicating the onset of summer. The maximum temperature in northern Karnataka is expected to increase by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next five days. IMD has also issued a heat wave warning for isolated areas in northern Karnataka on March 18 and 19.

In neighboring states like Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, IMD predicted isolated to scattered light or moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms and lightning on March 15 and 16. This weather pattern is expected to bring temporary relief from rising temperatures and contribute to better air quality in these states.

CAQM has urged local authorities in Delhi-NCR to maintain the current air quality levels and prevent it from slipping back into the "poor" category. The commission has recommended that construction sites and industrial units follow air pollution control measures and avoid activities that release dust and harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Residents of Delhi have welcomed the improved air quality, noting that breathing has become easier and visibility has improved. However, environmental experts have warned that the improvement may be temporary unless long-term measures are implemented to control emissions and reduce pollution sources.

Despite the positive development, air pollution remains a serious challenge for Delhi and other major cities in India. Long-term solutions such as reducing vehicular emissions, promoting public transport, and increasing green cover are essential for maintaining better air quality throughout the year.

The government and environmental agencies are expected to continue monitoring air quality levels and take further action if pollution levels begin to rise again. The current improvement in Delhi's air quality serves as a reminder that effective pollution control measures, combined with favourable weather conditions, can significantly improve the city's air quality.