Delhi's air quality experienced a slight reprieve on Thursday, improving to the "poor" category after several weeks of "severe" pollution levels. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 220 on December 25, 2025, a notable decrease from the "severe" category it had occupied for much of December. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 29 monitoring stations in Delhi reported air quality within the "poor" range.
While the overall air quality showed improvement, some areas continued to experience higher levels of pollution. Anand Vihar, for example, recorded an AQI of 308, placing it in the "very poor" category. Other areas, including Dhaula Kuan, Akshardham, and India Gate, also experienced lingering smog. However, some areas such as Aya Nagar (137), Mandir Marg (171), Najafgarh (137), and CRRI Mathura Road (162) recorded "moderate" air quality.
The improvement in air quality is attributed to favorable meteorological conditions, specifically an increase in surface wind speeds. The CPCB noted that winds reaching 15 to 25 kilometers per hour helped disperse pollutants, leading to the temporary improvement. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 6.5 degrees Celsius, slightly below normal, and a relative humidity of 63 percent, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The expected maximum temperature is 22 degrees Celsius, with moderate temperatures forecast.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked the restrictions imposed under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Wednesday, December 24, following the improved air quality. These restrictions, which had been in place since December 13, included a ban on all construction activities, the entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi, and the mandatory shifting of school classes (except for classes 10 and 12) to hybrid mode. While Stage IV restrictions have been lifted, measures under Stages I, II, and III of the GRAP remain in effect.
Despite the current improvement, experts have warned that the relief may be short-lived. The CPCB has indicated that air quality is likely to worsen in the coming days. The CAQM has urged citizens to continue adhering to the GRAP citizen charter, as winter conditions could lead to a decline in air quality again. The Delhi government has stated it will continue its "No PUC, No Fuel" policy for vehicles, even after the GRAP 4 restrictions end. This policy requires vehicles to have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate to purchase fuel.
The Delhi Cabinet approved initiatives on Tuesday to strengthen pollution control measures and enhance environmental governance. The Delhi High Court has also reprimanded the Centre for imposing an 18% GST on air purifiers and HEPA filters, calling the situation a "health emergency".
