Delhi-NCR pollution: National Capital wakes up to toxic smog, air quality worsens in Delhi, AQI crosses…

Delhi continued to reel under severe pollution on Sunday, with air quality deteriorating further and dense fog compounding commuting woes, particularly for air travellers. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 390 around 7 am, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. Meanwhile, many areas witnessed air quality deteriorating further to ‘severe’ levels.

#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals around the Rajghat area as a layer of toxic smog engulfs the national capital. CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) has invoked all actions under GRAP Stage-IV in Delhi-NCR.

AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 376, categorised as ‘Very… pic.twitter.com/LTIWFUMBhh

— ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2025

Dense haze, with pollution levels remaining alarmingly high, was noticed in several parts of Delhi. Speaking of the Akshardham area, the AQI stood at 438, categorised as ‘severe’, as reported by news agency ANI. Additionally, similar conditions were reported from the Ghazipur area, where air quality index levels were also recorded at 438, as per CPCB data.

India(BHARAT) Gate and the Kartavya Path in central Delhi were both heavily affected by a dense layer of smog that hung over these areas. The AQI in this area was recorded at 381, falling in the ‘very poor’ category. On the other hand, Anand Vihar, located in East Delhi, reached an AQI of 438, which is categorized as ‘severe’ and is one of the most polluted areas of Delhi as of Sunday morning. Furthermore, ITO also remained under a thick layer of smog with an AQI of 405, classified as ‘severe’.

#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals around AIIMS as a layer of toxic smog engulfs the national capital. CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) has invoked all actions under GRAP Stage-IV in Delhi-NCR.

AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 358, categorised as ‘Very Poor’, as… pic.twitter.com/zZ2Dqp8dsR

— ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2025

Moreover, around the Barapullah flyover, the AQI was recorded at 382, categorised as ‘very poor’, and similar conditions prevailed in the Dhaula Kuan area, where the AQI stood at 397, also falling under the ‘very poor’ category, ANI reported.

With worsening air quality conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented all actions associated with Stage IV of the Graded Response Actions Plan (GRAP) within Delhi-NCR. Stage IV GRAP include a ban on non-essential construction activities, the entry of certain diesel vehicles, and enhanced enforcement to curb pollution sources.

According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’, and 401-500 ‘severe’.Meanwhile, parts of Uttar Pradesh experienced dense fog and cold weather conditions.

(With ANI inputs)