Delhi’s Air Quality in October 2023 Worst Since 2020 Due to Lack of Rainfall

Delhi's Air Quality in October 2023 Worst Since 2020 Due to Lack of Rainfall

VoM News Desk | October 31, 2023 | 07:13 PM IST | Climate & Environment, Delhi | Follow on Google News

Delhi’s Air Quality in October 2023 Worst Since 2020 Due to Lack of Rainfall

Delhi’s Air Quality in October 2023 Worst Since 2020 Due to Lack of Rainfall

Delhi’s air quality in October this year reached its lowest levels since 2020, primarily due to a scarcity of rainfall. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicates that the capital recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 210 in October 2023, compared to 210 in October last year and 173 in October 2021. The limited rainfall was a significant contributing factor, with Delhi experiencing just one rainy day (5.4 mm of precipitation) in October 2023. This contrasts with six rainy days in October 2022 (129 mm) and seven in October 2021 (123 mm).

Impact of Low Wind Speed and Still Conditions

The Centre’s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) highlighted that the average wind speed during October 2023 was relatively low, and periods of “still” conditions were also observed during the month. This, combined with the absence of significant rain, exacerbated air quality problems in the region.

Decreased ‘Good’ Air Quality Days

According to the CPCB’s data, Delhi did not record a single day with ‘good’ air quality in October 2023, whereas there were two such days in 2022 and one in 2021.

Improvement in Yearly AQI Comparison

Despite the poor air quality in October, the CAQM reported that Delhi registered an AQI of 172 from January 1 to October 31, 2023, which is the second-best for the corresponding period in six years. The city achieved better air quality during this period only during the COVID-19 pandemic-affected year of 2020. In 2022, 2021, 2019, and 2018, the average AQI during this period ranged from 179 to 201.

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