Delhi Air Pollution Turns Severe, Thick Smog Engulfs City As AQI Touches 462
New Delhi woke up to dangerously polluted air on Sunday as the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped into the severe category, covering the city with a thick blanket of smog.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an AQI of 462 at 6 am, raising serious health concerns for residents.
All 40 air quality monitoring stations across the national capital showed red alerts, indicating severe pollution levels.
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Areas such as Rohini recorded an AQI of 499, while Jahangirpuri and Vivek Vihar followed closely with readings of 495. PM2.5, a fine particulate pollutant that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, remained the major contributor.
Delhi gasping for breath! AQI skyrockets to 401, triggering GRAP Stage-III curbs. Ban on non-essential diesel vehicles entering the city. Winds trapping pollutants – forecasts say it’ll linger. Act now, Delhiites! #SmogAlert #CleanAirNow #NCRPollution pic.twitter.com/5owKYNK3Ct
— Sanjay Jha (@SanjayJha) December 13, 2025
Several parts of the city reported very low visibility due to dense smog. In Patparganj, where the AQI stood at 488, vehicles were seen moving slowly with their headlights switched on, highlighting the hazardous conditions on the roads.
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Health experts warn that air quality in the severe category is dangerous even for healthy individuals. People are advised to avoid outdoor activities, especially morning walks and exercise. Children, elderly people, and those with heart or lung problems face a higher risk.
To control the worsening pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced GRAP-4 restrictions across Delhi-NCR.
These include a ban on non-essential trucks, restrictions on older diesel vehicles, a halt on construction and demolition activities, and recommendations for work-from-home and online classes for certain school grades.
Officials said the sudden spike in pollution is mainly due to unfavourable weather conditions, including low wind speeds, high moisture, and changing wind directions, which trap pollutants close to the ground.
