Toxic Smog Engulfs Delhi As Air Quality Nears ‘Severe’; AQI Crosses 400-Mark In Several Areas

Last Updated:December 28, 2025, 07:37 IST

Delhi woke up to toxic smog with AQI at 391, Anand Vihar at 445. CPCB and Commission for Air Quality Management enforced Stage III measures.

The air quality has worsened in the national capital. (File photo)

Residents of the national capital woke up to a hazy Sunday morning as a thick layer of toxic smog shrouded the city. Air quality further deteriorated, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 391 at 6 am, categorised as “very poor,” according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In many areas, the air quality turned “severe” as the AQI crossed the 400-mark.

Visuals have emerged from several areas, including Anand Vihar, which were engulfed in toxic smog. The AQI in Anand Vihar was recorded at 445, categorised as “severe,” CPCB data showed.

Delhi’s AQI deteriorated sharply on Saturday evening, with the overall AQI touching 390.  Several areas across Delhi-NCR recorded even worse air quality, with AQI levels crossing 400-mark. Patparganj registered an AQI of 431, while Shivaji Park recorded 400. Nehru Nagar saw the highest reading at 442, followed by Shadipur at 429. Sirifort reported an AQI of 402, and RK Puram recorded 412, indicating severe pollution levels across the region.

Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 385 at 4 pm, in the ‘very poor’ category, compared to 332 on Friday. Earlier on Saturday morning, the air quality had shown some improvement, with AQI levels exceeding 300 in many areas.

The CPCB classifies AQI levels between 0 and 50 as ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’ and 401-500 ‘severe’.

Authorities are monitoring pollution levels and enforcing measures such as the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule to address the situation. The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked Stage III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, including restrictions on construction and industrial activities.

A combination of cold weather, calm winds, and dense fog is trapping pollutants, leading to haze and smog. “Very poor” air quality requires people—especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues—to limit prolonged outdoor exposure and wear masks.

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