Delhi Air Achieves Rare January Milestone/sbkinews.in
Delhi recorded its second-best January air quality since 2022, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 307 through January 30, 2026, showing marginal improvement over recent years despite persistent challenges. This performance trails only January 2025’s AQI of 306—the cleanest since 2022’s 279—according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), reflecting two moderate days, 12 poor, 14 very poor, and two severe days amid favorable winter winds and enforcement measures.
CREA credits reduced stubble burning and GRAP Stage I actions for the relative gains.
January 2026 AQI Breakdown
Delhi’s month featured varied conditions, with early calm winds aiding dispersion before late spikes.
Daily Categories:
| Category | Days | AQI Range |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate | 2 | 101-200 |
| Poor | 12 | 201-300 |
| Very Poor | 14 | 301-400 |
| Severe | 2 | 401-500 |
Two severe days edged out 2025’s zero, lifting the average slightly.
Delhi Air Achieves Rare January Milestone/sbkinews.in
Historical Comparison
Progress builds on multi-year trends, though averages remain hazardous.
January AQI Since 2022:
| Year | Average AQI | Best Month Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 279 | 1st |
| 2025 | 306 | 2nd |
| 2026 | 307 | 3rd |
| 2023 | 325 | – |
| 2024 | 318 | – |
2026 ranks second post-2025, signaling incremental control.
Delhi Air Achieves Rare January Milestone/sbkinews.in
Key Factors Driving Improvement
Favorable meteorology and policy enforcement curbed winter peaks.
Enabling Elements:
Stronger westerly winds (avg 8 km/h vs 6 km/h prior years).
35% drop in stubble fires (Punjab-Haryana).
GRAP Stage I: Construction curbs, truck restrictions.
CREA notes BS-VI fuel transition cut PM2.5 by 15%.
Delhi Air Achieves Rare January Milestone/sbkinews.in
Station-Wise Snapshot (Jan 30)
Variability persisted across monitoring sites.
| Location | AQI |
|---|---|
| Ashok Vihar | 309 |
| Bawana | 271 |
| Dwarka Sec 8 | 329 |
| Mundka | 331 |
| RK Puram | 322 |
Narela (232) offered pockets of relief.
Delhi Air Achieves Rare January Milestone/sbkinews.in
Pollutant Profile
PM2.5 dominated at 60% of AQI, with NO2 secondary.
Primary Contributors:
PM2.5: 140-220 µg/m³ (annual std 40 µg/m³).
NO2: 45-80 µg/m³.
Ozone peaks midday (moderate concern).
Vehicular (35%) and biomass (25%) lead sources.
Delhi Air Achieves Rare January Milestone/sbkinews.in
Policy Measures Credited
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) interventions yielded results.
GRAP Stage I Actions:
50% private vehicles off odd-even days.
Industrial coal ban extended.
Dust suppression: 1,200 water sprinklers deployed.
Early warning system forecasted very poor air January 31.
Delhi Air Achieves Rare January Milestone/sbkinews.in
Stubble Burning Decline
Satellite data showed sharp reductions aiding dispersion.
Farm Fire Counts:
| Source | Oct-Dec 2025 |
|---|---|
| Punjab | 45,000 (-40%) |
| Haryana | 12,000 (-25%) |
Biofuel mandates cut residue burning 35%.
Delhi Air Achieves Rare January Milestone/sbkinews.in
Health Implications
Even “second-best” poses risks for vulnerable groups.
Exposure Effects:
AQI 307: Respiratory distress for sensitive populations.
Monthly PM2.5 avg: 5x WHO limit.
Hospital admissions: 12% rise vs “good” air months.
CREA urges sustained GRAP II readiness.
Delhi Air Achieves Rare January Milestone/sbkinews.in
Future Forecast
Ventilation index signals mixed outlook.
Early February Projection:
| Date | Ventilation | Expected AQI |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 31 | 500 m²/s | Very Poor |
| Feb 1 | 1,500 m²/s | Poor |
| Feb 2 | 3,000 m²/s | Moderate |
Winds strengthen post-February 1.
Delhi Air Achieves Rare January Milestone/sbkinews.in
Comparison To Peers
Delhi outperforms some northern peers but lags southern metros.
| City | Jan 2026 Avg AQI |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 307 |
| Lucknow | 345 |
| Kanpur | 362 |
| Bengaluru | 85 |
National capital tops northern gains.
Delhi Air Achieves Rare January Milestone/sbkinews.in
Challenges Ahead
Structural sources demand long-term fixes.
Persistent Drivers:
1,200 CNG buses insufficient vs 5M vehicles.
40% power from coal plants.
Construction dust: 20% PM10 share.
EV push targets 30% fleet by 2030.
Delhi Air Achieves Rare January Milestone/sbkinews.in
Expert Takeaways
CREA hails “incremental wins” but warns complacency risks reversal.
Recommendations:
Expand odd-even permanently.
Mandatory crop residue machines (85% coverage).
Regional clean air grid integration.
