Delhi’s Air Quality Plummets to ‘Very Poor’ Levels: Brace for a Brutal Smog Attack Starting December 11!

The air quality in Delhi has deteriorated significantly, remaining classified as ‘poor’ on December 10, 2025, with predictions indicating a shift to the ‘very poor’ category starting on December 11. According to the Central Government’s Air Quality Early Warning System, the city’s air quality is expected to remain in this alarming range until December 13. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 4 p.m. on December 10 was 259, a slight improvement from the previous day’s 282, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). As a reminder, an AQI reading above 200 is considered ‘poor,’ while readings between 301 and 400 and beyond fall into the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories, respectively.

This annual spike in pollution levels during the winter months can be attributed to various meteorological factors. A combination of lower wind speeds and dropping temperatures exacerbates the situation, along with pollution from stubble burning and the use of firecrackers that occurs in October and November. Officials are increasingly concerned about the impact of road dust on air quality, as highlighted by recent inspections from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Out of 79 road stretches evaluated, 15 displayed high dust intensity, prompting directives for immediate action to address the issue.

CAQM’s inspections, which included collaboration between the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, and the Delhi Development Authority, resulted in geo-tagged and time-stamped documentation of the dust levels across the inspected areas. The data revealed that 36 stretches exhibited moderate dust levels, while 22 showed low intensity. Only six were deemed to have no visible dust present. This ongoing issue of road dust plays a substantial role in contributing to particulate matter levels across the city.

In light of these findings, Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has rallied her Cabinet into ‘action mode’ to tackle the pollution crisis head-on. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee has enacted three stringent measures to combat air quality issues, focusing on controlling dust and other polluting activities. These include a complete ban on the use of coal and wood in tandoors, restrictions on the roadside sale and transportation of construction materials, and the enforcement of immediate fines for open burning of waste. Many of these recommendations align with the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a strategic set of temporary measures aimed at curbing air pollution.

As Delhiites brace for worsening air conditions, the government’s commitment to enhance pollution control appears necessary to safeguard public health. The situation is being monitored closely, with expectations of ongoing updates as air quality fluctuates in the coming days. With local residents at the forefront of this environmental crisis, effective measures and consistent enforcement will be vital in navigating the challenges presented by air pollution during the capital’s harsh winter months.

Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-air-quality-likely-to-worsen-to-very-poor/article70381132.ece
Category : Delhi
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Publish Date: 2025-12-11 07:21:00