July 2025 delivered Delhi’s best air quality in seven years, recording an average AQI of 78, categorizing it as “Satisfactory”—even cleaner than July 2020 during the COVID 19 lockdown, according to Central Pollution Control Board data .
📅 Highlights for July:
✅ Average AQI: 78 (Satisfactory)
📆 ‘Satisfactory’ days (AQI 51–100): 29 out of 31 days — the highest number since 2018
🚫 No days fell in the Severe (AQI > 300) or higher pollution categories during January–July 2025—unlike previous years which had multiple such days
📉 Improvements Compared to Earlier Years:
Monthwise AQI Averages for July:
- 2018: 104
- 2019: 134
- 2020: 84
- 2021: 110
- 2022: 87
- 2023: 84
- 2024: 96
- 2025: 78
January to July Average AQI Trends:
- 2025: 184
- 2024: 204
- 2023: 183
- 2022: 209
- 2021: 205
- 2020: 159
- 2019: 215
- 2018: 217
🔄 Driving Factors for Cleaner Air:
These improvements are attributed to:
- Monsoon weather systems and well-above-average rainfall in July
- Coordinated interventions by CAQM and local agencies (dust control, sweeping, air purification zones)
Effective pollution control and monitoring strategies by Delhi authorities
📊 Quick Comparison
Year | July Avg AQI | Satisfactory Days (July) | Jan–Jul Avg AQI | Severe/Polluted Days (Jan–Jul) |
2018 | 104 | 16 | 217 | 6+ days |
2019 | 134 | 12 | 215 | 7+ days |
2020 (lockdown) | 84 | 25 | 159 | 2 days |
2024 | 96 | 17 | 204 | 3 days |
2025 | 78 | 29 | 184 | 0 days |
✅ Bottom Line
- July 2025 emerged as Delhi’s cleanest month since 2018, thanks to reduced pollution levels during monsoon and enhanced control measures.
- The high number of satisfactory days and absence of severe air quality episodes reflect effective coordination and cleaner weather patterns this year.
- However, cleanup so far covers only first seven months—maintaining this trend through winter months remains a challenge.
