Delhi continues to grapple with hazardous air quality as the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains above 300, firmly in the "very poor" category. A persistent layer of smog has enveloped the national capital, posing health risks to its residents.
As of today, December 11, 2025, several areas in Delhi are experiencing AQI levels exceeding 300. Anand Vihar and Delhi Cantonment, for instance, both recorded an AQI of 302.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) categorizes AQI levels as follows: 0-50 is considered "Good," 51-100 "Satisfactory," 101-200 "Moderate," 201-300 "Poor," 301-400 "Very Poor," and 401-500 "Severe". An AQI in the "very poor" range signifies that the air quality can cause respiratory illness with prolonged exposure.
On December 6, 2025, a thick layer of smog covered Delhi, with the average AQI settling at 333. Mundka reported the worst AQI at 381, according to the CPCB data. Out of Delhi's 39 monitoring stations, 35 registered readings in the "very poor" range, while the remaining four reported "poor" air quality. Areas that recorded "very poor" air quality included RK Puram (364), Punjabi Bagh (348), Chandni Chowk (348), Rohini (374), Vivek Vihar (309), Bawana (375), Siri Fort (343), Wazirpur (359), Anand Vihar (366), Ashok Vihar (348), and Sonia Vihar (352).
According to Delhi's Decision Support System (DSS) for air quality management, vehicular emissions are the largest local contributor to pollution, accounting for 15.3%. Industries within Delhi and nearby regions contribute 7.6%, followed by residential sources (3.7%), construction dust (2.1%), and waste burning (1.3%). Jhajjar, Rohtak, Sonipat, Bhiwani and Gurugram accounted for 14.3 per cent, 5 per cent, 3.8 per cent, 2.5 per cent and 1.5 per cent of pollutants respectively.
The Meteorological Department noted that December 5, 2025, was the coldest December morning of the year, with the mercury dipping to 5.6 degrees Celsius. The current weather in Delhi is sunny with a temperature of 10°C, but feels like 9°C due to 98% humidity. The forecast predicts sunny days and clear nights for the next few days.
Prolonged exposure to "poor" AQI (201-300) can cause breathing discomfort to most people, not just those with pre-existing health issues. The "moderate" category (101 to 200) indicates increasing pollution levels that can trigger breathing difficulties among people with asthma, lung conditions, or heart disease.
