Delhi is grappling with severe air quality issues as toxic fumes engulf the capital, posting an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 459 on Sunday, December 14, 2025. This classification places the city firmly in the ‘severe’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Overnight, a dense layer of smog settled across the region, leaving residents struggling to breathe.
The CPCB has set forth a range to assess air quality, where an AQI between 0 and 50 is deemed ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’, and anything above 400 classified as ‘severe’. With the current levels, the capital is experiencing some of its worst air quality in recent times.
The effects of this pollution are compounded by the cold weather, with New Delhi recording a minimum temperature of 8.2 degrees Celsius-0.4 degrees below the seasonal average. The maximum temperature is anticipated to hover around 24 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the relative humidity soared to 100% at 8:30 AM, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
In response to the worsening air quality, the Directorate of Education in Delhi has mandated that all schools conduct classes for students up to Class IX and XI in a hybrid format, balancing both in-person and online learning to ensure student safety while maintaining educational continuity.
To mitigate the escalating pollution levels in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has put Stage-IV measures into action under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This initiative aims to curtail the further deterioration of air quality and protect public health.
The tangible effects of this decline in air quality are evident as residents face health risks linked to prolonged exposure to hazardous air pollutants. Immediate actions are required to address these environmental challenges, and officials are urging citizens to take precautions to safeguard their health during this period of intense smog.
As Delhi continues to battle these pressing issues, citizens are urged to stay informed and take preventative measures to reduce their exposure to harmful air quality, especially during these peak pollution days. The collaboration between educational institutions and government agencies signifies a critical step in combating the health hazards posed by toxic air as the city navigates through this environmental crisis.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/air-quality-index-new-delhi-on-december-14-2025-severe-category/article70394968.ece
Category : Delhi
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Publish Date: 2025-12-14 10:49:00
