Delhi-NCR Achieves 200 Days of AQI Below 200 in 2025, Up from 110 in 2016

Delhi-NCR has improved air quality significantly, with air quality index (AQI) readings below 200 increasing to 200 days in 2025 from 110 days in 2016, according to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The progress is attributed to targeted interventions in industrial, transport, and municipal sectors.

As of now, 1,297 of 3,551 industries have installed Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS), with efforts to complete installations by December 31. Piped natural gas infrastructure is operational in 224 of 240 industrial areas.

An action plan for 62 traffic congestion hotspots is underway, and measures against commercial vehicles below BS-IV standards began on November 1, 2025. The average AQI for January to November 2025 is recorded at 187, a decrease from 213 in 2018. The government has also authorized the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory to certify domestic OCEMS manufacturers.