Gurgaon recorded its cleanest April air since 2021, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 181. While this marks a notable improvement from the hazardous levels seen in 2017 and 2018, the figure remains firmly in the unhealthy category, indicating that the pollution burden is far from resolved.
Rainfall Fails to Bring Relief
Interestingly, the modest improvement occurred despite excess rainfall in April this year, which would typically be expected to suppress particulate matter more substantially. The persistence of moderate pollution levels under such conditions underscores the severity of the city's air quality challenges.
Long-Term Trends
According to long-term data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Gurgaon's April AQI has followed a dramatic but uneven trajectory since 2017. The worst April on record was in 2017, when the average AQI stood at 291, nearing 'very poor' levels. This was followed by 247 in 2018. Some easing occurred in 2019, with an AQI of 198, before the sharpest improvement arrived in 2020 and 2021, when AQI dropped to 110 and 121 respectively, coinciding with reduced activity during the pandemic and its immediate aftermath.
From 2022 onward, pollution rebounded. April AQI rose to 207 in 2022, remained elevated at 188 in 2023, and peaked again at 237 in 2024, the city's worst April since 2018. Recovery followed, with 194 in 2025 and 181 this year. However, current levels remain significantly worse than the cleaner pandemic-era baseline.
38% Improvement Since 2017, But Gains Inconsistent
Overall, April AQI has improved by nearly 38% since 2017, though gains have been inconsistent. This month's reading still exceeded the satisfactory benchmark of 100 by 81 notches, underlining that the city's air quality crisis is far from over.
“Despite rainfall in Gurgaon this year, air quality has seen minimal improvement, with pollution levels largely unchanged and more days in the poor category,” said Manoj Kumar, an analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
Health Implications
According to CPCB standards, AQI between 101 and 200 is considered 'moderate,' while 201 to 300 is 'poor.' Even moderate AQI can trigger respiratory discomfort among sensitive groups, including those with asthma and heart or lung conditions. The decade-long data suggests the city has moved away from extreme pollution episodes but is yet to establish sustained clean-air gains.
