Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Delhi's Air Quality Deteriorates Despite Anti-Pollution Measures
Delhi's air quality has gotten much worse, with the city covered in a thick haze.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached dangerous levels, with some areas like Anand Vihar having very high pollution.
The main reasons for this pollution are cars, factories, and activities in nearby areas.
The government has put in place strict rules to try and reduce pollution, like limiting the number of people who can go to work and not allowing certain cars to refuel.
Experts say that people should use air purifiers at home, wear special masks when outside, and try to stay indoors as much as possible to protect their health.
The air quality is expected to stay bad for the next few days, and it might even get worse.
Delhi's 24-hour average AQI climbed to 373, placing it in the 'very poor' category.
Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI reading at 441, in the 'severe-plus' category.
Transport is the single largest contributor to Delhi's pollution, accounting for 18.3% of the total pollution load.
Neighboring districts in the NCR, particularly Jhajjar, contribute significantly to Delhi's pollution.
The Delhi government has imposed GRAP-4 measures, including vehicle restrictions and work-from-home directives, to combat the rising pollution levels.
- Who
- Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR)
- What
- Deterioration of air quality in Delhi
- When
- December 18, 2025, with predictions for the following days
- Where
- Delhi and neighboring districts in the NCR
- Why
- Increased pollution levels due to various sources including transport, industrial activity, and external contributors
- 24-hour average AQI
- 373
- Highest AQI reading
- 441 (Anand Vihar)
- Primary pollution contributor
- Transport (18.3%)
- External contributor
- Jhajjar (12.3%)
- Predicted AQI for Friday and Saturday
- Very poor
- Predicted AQI for Sunday
- Severe
- New curbs from 18 December
- Vehicles without valid PUC certificate cannot refuel
- GRAP-4 measures
- Vehicle restrictions, reduced commercial activity, online schooling, work-from-home
Sources
GRAP-4 In Delhi: Best Precautions To Breathe Easy In The Nation’s Capital
Reduced visibility, blanket of haze: Delhi's air quality deteriorates despite stricter measures to curb pollution
Delhi’s top cardiologist shares AQI survival guide as air turns hazardous
