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Supported by favourable meteorological conditions and coordinated efforts by multiple stakeholders, Delhi recorded its cleanest July in decades, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 78, which falls in the 'Satisfactory' category, even better than July 2020, a month marked by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Thursday described the month as the best in the city's recorded history. "29 out of 31 days in July 2025 recorded 'Good' or 'Satisfactory' air quality - best July in Delhi's recorded history and 126 Clean Air days recorded since January 1st to July 31st 2025," Sirsa said. "Today's AQI is 59, with a majority of city hotspots also in the 'Good' or 'Satisfactory' category. Multi-tiered environment action plan includes Van Mahotsav, dust control measures at construction and demolition (C&D) sites, mechanised sweeping, misting systems, landfill bio-mining, and preparations for artificial rain," the environmental minister added further. Leaving on a motivational note, Sirsa said, "True determination always delivers visible results. Delhi's cleanest July ever is proof that with clean intent and strong action, we can change the city's air quality for the better." Meanwhile, according to official data, the average AQI for July in previous years stood at 104 (2018), 134 (2019), 84 (2020), 110 (2021), 87 (2022), 84 (2023), and 96 (2024). Earlier, on June 29, Sirsa had announced the installation of outdoor air purifiers at Nehru Park as part of a pilot project aimed at creating the city's first "clean air zone." The initiative seeks to lower pollution levels in public areas, especially locations with high foot traffic such as parks. "AQI is a big challenge in Delhi. We are working to lower the AQI. We are conducting a study in Nehru Park. As many people come to this area for morning walks and exercise, we are trying to determine if we can lower the AQI in a particular location," Sirsa said. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is working closely with various agencies to implement measures for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution across the Delhi-NCR region. Officials noted that efforts would be intensified in the coming days to further improve the air quality. (ANI)
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