Delhi AQI Fell, but Pollution Signals Still Worsened

Despite Delhi recording its lowest September Air Quality Index (AQI) average in five years at 102, harmful particulate matter levels actually rose during the month, with PM2.5 increasing to 39 µg/m³ and PM10 to 106 µg/m³ compared to the previous year. This apparent contradiction happens because the headline AQI is determined solely by whichever single pollutant scores highest on a given day rather than an average of all pollutants combined; as other gases like nitrogen dioxide fell, the overall AQI improved despite the rise in dangerous fine dust. While official figures highlight a higher number of "satisfactory" air days this year, experts caution that a lower composite index can obscure the reality of public exposure to toxic microscopic particles.

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