Severe Air Pollution Continues to Plague Delhi as AQI Reaches Alarming Levels

Delhi continues to grapple with a severe air pollution crisis, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches alarming levels across various regions. Anand Vihar and Ghazipur both recorded an AQI of 383, indicating hazardous conditions. The situation has prompted political leaders, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, to voice their concerns in Parliament, calling for immediate action from both the central and state governments. With millions of children and vulnerable populations at risk, the urgency for effective measures to combat this environmental crisis has never been more critical. Read on to learn more about the current air quality situation and the political responses it has sparked.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 2, 2025, 09:46 IST

Delhi's Air Quality Crisis

The air quality crisis in Delhi persists, with several areas reporting an Air Quality Index (AQI) still categorized as 'very poor.' According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 383 on Tuesday morning, edging towards the 'severe' category. Visuals from the area depict a thick layer of smog enveloping the surroundings. Similarly, Ghazipur also reported an AQI of 383, indicating a hazardous smog layer in the vicinity. The area around Akshardham Temple recorded the same AQI level, while ITO reported an AQI of 331.

Air Quality Index by Area

The vicinity of India Gate and Kartavya Path is also shrouded in toxic smog, with the CPCB stating that the AQI in this area is 312, placing it in the 'very poor' category.

Air Quality Index by Area

AIIMS - 277

Anand Vihar - 383

Ghazipur - 383

According to CPCB standards, an AQI of 0–50 is considered 'good,' 51–100 is 'satisfactory,' 101–200 is 'moderate,' 201–300 is 'poor,' 301–400 is 'very poor,' and 401–500 is 'severe.'

Parliament's Winter Session Addresses Pollution

As the winter session of Parliament commenced on Monday, the opposition is expected to raise concerns regarding the deteriorating air quality in the national capital. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra described the situation as 'shameful,' highlighting the distress faced by children and the elderly in Delhi. She emphasized the need to set aside political differences and urged both the central and state governments to address this pressing issue immediately.

She stated, "I believe this is a disgraceful situation. This is our country's capital city. We must put aside our political differences and take decisive action. How can we allow this to happen to our children? A study indicates that currently, 2.2 million children have suffered permanent lung damage. Elderly individuals and those with asthma or other respiratory issues are severely affected. Hospitals are overwhelmed with patients facing breathing difficulties. How can we just sit back and do nothing?... If the government takes action, we are here to support them. The central and state governments must act without delay."