Delhi Air Quality Improving: September AQI Hits 5-Year Low
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa reports the lowest September average AQI in five years, with a significant drop in severe pollution days.
In a significant development for the national capital, Delhi's air quality has shown a positive trend, with the city recording its lowest average Air Quality Index (AQI) for the month of September in the last five years. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Friday that the average AQI for September 2026 stood at 102, marking a notable improvement compared to previous years.
A Five-Year Comparison of Air Quality
Sharing data from a Press Information Bureau (PIB) report, Minister Sirsa highlighted that the current atmospheric conditions are better than those seen in recent years. The data reveals a steady downward trend in the monthly average AQI for September:
- 2026: 102
- 2025: 105
- 2024: 105
- 2023: 108
- 2022: 104
The Minister emphasized that while these figures are encouraging, the administration remains vigilant. "Delhi’s air is showing a better trend, but the work is far from over," Sirsa stated.
More Days of Breathable Air
The improvement is not limited to the month of September alone. Looking at the broader window from January to September 2026, the city has seen a significant increase in days with relatively safer air. Delhi recorded 194 days with a daily average AQI below 200, which is the highest number for this period in the last five years.
To put this in perspective, the number of days with AQI below 200 in previous years were:
- 2025: 187 days
- 2024: 188 days
- 2023: 193 days
- 2022: 146 days
Furthermore, the frequency of "Poor to Severe+" pollution days has seen a sharp decline. During the January-September period in 2026, there were only 79 such days, down from 86 days in both 2025 and 2024, and significantly lower than the 127 days recorded in 2022.
Focus on PM 2.5 and Year-Round Action
The Minister also pointed toward a reduction in fine particulate matter. The average PM 2.5 levels stood at 69 µg/m³, which represents the joint lowest figure since 2022. According to Sirsa, the current administration, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, is treating pollution as a continuous, year-round challenge rather than a seasonal issue that only gains attention during specific months.
"The focus has been on continuous monitoring, enforcement, and action on the ground," Sirsa remarked, adding that the government is working closely with all relevant agencies to ensure cleaner air for the future of the city's children.
Political Sparring Over Pollution Management
The announcement was accompanied by sharp political criticism directed at the previous administration. Sirsa alleged that the former AAP government, led by Arvind Kejriwal, prioritized public image and massive advertising campaigns over actual environmental combat.
"For years, while Delhi choked under toxic smog, Kejriwal and the AAP government were entirely busy polishing their own public images, blowing crores of public money on massive advertisements and building a luxurious 'Sheesh Mahal'. Combating pollution was never on their agenda," Sirsa charged.
The Minister concluded by reiterating that the current government's priority remains practical, ground-level action to ensure a healthier environment for all residents of Delhi.