Delhi air quality improvement
India Maintains Own Air Quality Standards: Government Rejects Global Rankings as Unofficial
Dec 11, 2025 09:00 pm CST
India's government has clarified that it follows its own National Ambient Air Quality Standards rather than international rankings, which it considers unofficial. Environment Minister highlighted significant improvements in Delhi's air quality with "Good to Moderate" days increasing from 110 in 2016 to 200 in 2025, while farm fires have decreased by 90% compared to 2022. The country maintains PM2.5 standards at 60 μg/m³ (24-hour) and 40 μg/m³ (annual), considerably higher than WHO's recommended 15 μg/m³ and 5 μg/m³ respectively.
Delhi's Air Quality Reaches 7-Year High: AQI Drops to 291 as Anti-Pollution Measures Show Results
Nov 05, 2025 01:16 am CST
Delhi has achieved its best air quality in seven years with an AQI of 291, significantly improved from 381 in 2024 and 415 in 2023. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa credits this improvement to year-round pollution control efforts, including intensified monitoring of construction sites, vehicular emissions, and waste burning. While challenges from crop burning and increasing vehicles remain, the coordinated approach is delivering measurable results for Delhi's air quality.
Delhi Removes Time Restriction on NOC Applications for Deregistered Vehicles to Reduce Urban Congestion
Nov 01, 2025 12:55 am CST
The Delhi government has eliminated the one-year restriction on NOC applications for deregistered vehicles, allowing diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old to be re-registered outside Delhi-NCR at any time. This policy change aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and provide vehicle owners with more flexibility in managing their older vehicles while supporting broader environmental initiatives.