Severe Air Pollution in Delhi: AQI Reaches Alarming Levels

Delhi is grappling with a severe air quality crisis as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches alarming levels, with reports indicating figures as high as 420. The Central Pollution Control Board has categorized the air quality as 'severe', raising significant health concerns for residents, particularly vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. The India Meteorological Department forecasts light fog and lower temperatures, while political leaders are calling for immediate action. The Delhi High Court is also set to hear a petition demanding urgent measures to combat the worsening pollution. This situation highlights the urgent need for effective solutions to improve air quality in the capital.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 3, 2025, 11:44 IST

Delhi's Air Quality Crisis

The air quality in Delhi has deteriorated significantly, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching alarming levels in various regions. Images from Akshardham reveal a thick layer of toxic smog enveloping the area, with the Central Pollution Control Board reporting an AQI of 405.

Similar conditions have been observed in the AIIMS area, where the AQI has been recorded at 420. According to the CPCB, the AQI in Delhi stands at 335, marking the second consecutive day of extremely poor air quality.

Residents experienced a brief respite from the hazardous air on Sunday (November 30) and Monday (December 1), but by Tuesday, the air quality plunged back into the severely polluted category. The CPCB categorizes AQI levels as follows: 0-50 is 'Good', 51-100 is 'Satisfactory', 101-200 is 'Moderate', 201-300 is 'Poor', 301-400 is 'Very Poor', and 401-500 is 'Severe'.

Weather Conditions in Delhi

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted light fog for the region. The minimum temperature in Delhi has dropped to 6.4 degrees Celsius, which is 3.1 degrees below the seasonal average, while the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 24 degrees Celsius.

At 8:30 AM, the relative humidity was reported at 100 percent.

Area-Specific AQI Levels

Anand Vihar - 405

Ghazipur - 405

India Gate/Kartavya Path - 356

Dhola Kuan - 303

According to CPCB standards, AQI levels are categorized as follows: 0-50 is 'Good', 51-100 is 'Satisfactory', 101-200 is 'Moderate', 201-300 is 'Poor', 301-400 is 'Very Poor', and 401-500 is 'Severe'.

Political Response to Pollution

Amid the ongoing winter session, the opposition may raise the issue of pollution in Parliament. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed concerns on Monday, stating that pollution in the national capital is a significant issue affecting children and the elderly, urging immediate attention to the matter.

Delhi High Court to Hear Petition on Air Pollution

The Delhi High Court is set to hear a petition today demanding urgent intervention to address the hazardous air pollution levels in the national capital. The petition highlights a rapid decline in air quality in recent years, leading to serious and persistent health problems for residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Filed by the Greater Kailash-II Welfare Association, the petition requests the court to direct authorities to implement immediate, effective, and scientific measures to combat the rising air pollution.