Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Delhi Faces Severe Air Pollution Crisis
Delhi has been facing a severe air pollution crisis, with over 2 lakh cases of acute respiratory illness reported in the past three years.
The air quality in Delhi has been very poor, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching severe levels in many areas.
The main pollutants in the air are PM2.5 and PM10, which come from vehicle emissions, fires, and industrial combustion.
The Health Ministry has linked the increase in respiratory illnesses to the worsening air pollution.
On 3 December 2025, the average AQI in Delhi was 376, with some areas like Nehru Nagar, Chandni Chowk, R K Puram, and Rohini recording extremely high levels of pollution.
The government has acknowledged the complex pathways of pollution but has not provided specific solutions to address the issue.
Over 2 lakh acute respiratory illness (ARI) cases reported in Delhi in the past three years.
Health Ministry links ARI cases to worsening air pollution, though exact pathways remain complex.
On 3 December 2025, Delhi's average AQI was 376, with some areas recording 'severe' pollution levels.
Nehru Nagar recorded the highest AQI at 436, followed by Chandni Chowk (431), R K Puram (420), and Rohini (415).
Main pollutants include PM2.5 and PM10 from vehicle emissions, fires, and industrial combustion.
- Who
- Residents of Delhi, Health Ministry, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- What
- Severe air pollution crisis in Delhi leading to acute respiratory illness cases
- When
- Over the past three years, with recent data from 3 December 2025
- Where
- Delhi, India
- Why
- Worsening air pollution due to vehicle emissions, fires, and industrial combustion
- Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) Cases
- Over 2 lakh in 3 years
- Air Quality Index (AQI) on 3 December 2025
- 376 (average)
- Highest AQI in 'Severe' Category
- 436 in Nehru Nagar
- Other High AQI Areas
- Chandni Chowk (431), R K Puram (420), Rohini (415)
- Main Pollutants
- PM2.5 and PM10
Sources
Weather quip in toxic capital, Opposition slams PM Modi over smog crisis in Delhi - Telegraph India
Letters to the editor: PM Modi comes across as a modern-day Nero for his 'enjoy the weather' remark
Need social, political will to declare war on pollution, says YSRCP MP in Rajya Sabha
Delhi AQI today: Battle with pollution gets 'severe' as 14 locations record toxic air quality
Delhi weather: IMD warns of cold wave from Friday; AQI continues to be 'severe' in many areas
Worsening air quality in Delhi and beyond drives surge in acute respiratory cases, hospitals record over 2 lakh cases: Report
It’s the Right ‘Path’, But Where Is India Gate? ‘Severe’ Pollution, Fog Swallow Delhi Monument: VIDEO
Delhi: 2 Lakh Acute Respiratory Illness Cases in 3 Years; Government Blames Pollution
Delhi-NCR AQI Level Today, 3 December 2025: Air quality ‘severe’ in 14 out of 39 monitoring stations across Delhi
Air turns hazardous again, multiple stations breach 'severe' mark
