India
Delhi’s Air Quality Improves to 60 Amid Heavy October Rainfall
After two days of rainfall, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) fell to 60, the cleanest October reading since 2022. Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa praised the government’s “targeted action” and public participation, posting a photo of India Gate on X with an AQI of 93, described as “Satisfactory.” He credited the Chief Minister’s leadership and urged continued citizen involvement for cleaner air.
The improvement coincided with unusually wet weather. According to PTI, Delhi received 61.4 mm of rain in the 24 hours ending 8:30 am on Friday, making it the wettest October day in four years and the sixth wettest since 1951. Cumulative rainfall up to that time was 123.3 mm, more than eight times the monthly normal of 15.1 mm.
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) noted that October’s average AQI was 167, the lowest for the month since 2015, and that the highest monthly peak of 245 was the lowest since 2015. The month has seen five days of ‘poor’ air quality, three ‘satisfactory’ days, and 22 ‘moderate’ days.
CREA’s Manoj Kumar highlighted the role of weather in the decline, stating that the AQI was already lower before the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was imposed and that the drop to 60 on October 30 coincided with the rainfall.
Overall, Delhi’s average AQI for January‑October was 168, the lowest for that period since 2020. The capital also recorded its coldest October maximum temperature since 1951, with a high of 20.7 °C at Safdarjung on Friday.
The data underscores the influence of rainfall and meteorological conditions on Delhi’s recent air quality improvement, even as the government continues to promote anti‑pollution measures.