Delhi is bracing for another winter of hazardous air quality, with forecasts indicating a potential slip into the "severe" category by the end of the year. A dense fog has enveloped the national capital, exacerbating the already poor air quality and disrupting air traffic for the past three days. While there was a slight improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI) on Wednesday, experts predict that pollution levels will likely persist and could worsen in the coming days.
On December 17, 2025, Delhi's 24-hour average AQI stood at 334, a marginal improvement from 354 the previous day. However, this provides little comfort as the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has warned that the air quality is likely to remain in the "very poor" category until December 20, and may further deteriorate to "severe" by the end of the month. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also forecast shallow fog in the region until December 20, with moderate fog expected in isolated pockets, further contributing to the accumulation of pollutants.
Several factors contribute to Delhi's recurring winter pollution woes. These include vehicular emissions, industrial output, construction activity, and meteorological conditions that trap pollutants. Stubble burning in neighboring states like Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh also contributes significantly to the problem, releasing large amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere. According to the Decision Support System, emissions from Haryana's Jhajjar accounted for 16.53% of the city's pollutants, followed closely by vehicular emissions within Delhi at 16.32%. Industries in Delhi and its surrounding areas contributed a little over 8%.
In response to the deteriorating air quality, authorities have implemented several measures to curb pollution. The Delhi government has enforced a ban on vehicles that are not compliant with the latest emission control standards. All private and government offices in the city are operating with 50% attendance, with the remaining employees working from home. Construction activities have also been suspended. Additionally, the government is providing compensation of 10,000 rupees (US$110) to registered construction workers affected by the ban.
The Chinese embassy has offered a "step-by-step guide" on how Beijing tackled pollution. According to Chinese embassy spokesperson Yu Jing, both China and India know the struggle with air pollution amid rapid urbanization. Jing highlighted steps to control vehicle emissions and industrial restructuring.
The recurring air pollution crisis in Delhi poses a significant threat to public health. Exposure to high levels of air pollution can lead to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and other health complications. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable. The situation has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, integration of rural agricultural policies to address stubble burning, and enhanced public transportation infrastructure.
