India, Aug. 1 -- The Capital witnessed the worst air quality for the July month this year since 2022, with an overall air quality index (AQI) of 117 or moderate despite recording higher monthly rainfall than the previous two years.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department's (IMD), the Safdarjung weather station, Delhi's base weather representative, recorded a total of 261.52mm of rainfall from July 1 to July 31.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), the city recorded a monthly average AQI of 110 in July 2021. In July last year, the city recorded the cleanest air in at least 10 years, with the monthly average at 79.

To be sure, the CPCB star...