Delhi’s Air Quality Slips To ‘Very Poor’ As Fog Engulfs The City

Delhi woke up to another day of choking smog and dense fog on December 27, 2025, as the city’s air quality remained firmly in the ‘very poor’ category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall AQI stood at 353, with several monitoring stations recording levels in the ‘severe’ range.  

Key highlights from the announcement include  

• The AQI at Anand Vihar touched 410, Jahangirpuri recorded 417, and ITO stood at 379, all classified as ‘severe’.  
• India Gate and Kartavya Path reported AQI levels around 303, categorized as ‘very poor’.  
• Dense fog reduced visibility to less than 1.5 km in several parts of the city, disrupting traffic and flight schedules.  
• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, restricting construction and industrial activity.  
• Authorities reinforced the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule to ensure compliance with pollution control norms.  
• Cold weather, calm winds, and high humidity created conditions for pollutants to remain trapped close to the ground.  
• Residents reported irritation in eyes and throat, with vulnerable groups advised to limit outdoor exposure.  
• Meteorological forecasts suggest foggy conditions will persist, with little improvement in air quality expected in the immediate term.  

Delhi’s recurring battle with air pollution highlights the complex interplay of weather, emissions, and urban activity. While emergency measures have been reintroduced, experts emphasize the need for long-term structural solutions, including cleaner fuels, stricter vehicular norms, and sustainable urban planning.  

The capital’s struggle underscores the urgency of addressing air pollution as a public health crisis. With visibility reduced and AQI levels soaring, Delhiites continue to face the dual challenge of winter fog and hazardous air quality.  

Sources: The Hindu, India Today, Mid-Day, New Indian Express