Delhi Achieves 'Best AQI in Eight Years,' Minister Sirsa Claims Science-Led Action Works

• Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa claims 2025 saw the capital's "best AQI in eight years," attributing it to a science-led enforcement push.
• Key improvements include PM2.5 falling to 96 and PM10 to 197 micrograms per cubic metre, along with 79 days of 'good'/'satisfactory' AQI.
• The city recorded 200 days with AQI below 200 and a Jan-Nov average AQI of 187, both bests since 2018/2017 (excluding 2020).
• Gains are credited to a multi-pronged approach targeting dust, vehicles, industries, and waste, including "No PUC, No Fuel" and anti-smog guns.
• Future plans for 2026 include tighter GRAP implementation and more tech pilots, though winter pollution remains a challenge.

Why It Matters: Delhi claims significant air quality improvement in 2025, but winter pollution remains a critical test.