Delhi Air Turns Hazardous: Thick Smog Pushes AQI to Severe Levels

Delhi Gasps for Breath: Toxic Smog Chokes City as AQI Soars, Daily Life Disrupted

New Delhi, December 18, 2025 -

A thick blanket of toxic smog continues to suffocate Delhi-NCR, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) stubbornly entrenched in the severe category, raising alarm among health officials, commuters, and residents across the capital. Dense layers of haze have plunged visibility, worsened breathing conditions, and disrupted essential services in the region.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and atmospheric monitoring agencies, AQI readings in large parts of Delhi and surrounding regions have repeatedly surpassed hazardous thresholds. While some monitoring stations report “very poor” air quality, pockets across NCR are registering numbers well into the severe bracket, meaning air laden with dangerous levels of PM2.5 and PM10 particles that can penetrate deep into lungs and exacerbate respiratory ailments.

700+ AQI in Delhi. Breaks my heart to see so many of my friends & family living here. It’s impact will be devastating & will only appear 15-20 years later. pic.twitter.com/zSbO74Yir6

— Ayush Jaiswal (@ayushjaiswal) December 13, 2025

Also read: Who is to blame for Delhi's deadly air among all the promises and claims?

Severe Smog Across the Capital

Early morning visuals showed iconic landmarks like India Gate and Anand Vihar shrouded in a thick grey layer, with visibility reduced significantly and familiar cityscapes fading into the haze. Commuters reported choking sensations and irritation in the eyes and throat as they navigated fog-like pollution across intersections and highways.

    Graph Courtesy: aqi.in

City dwellers woke up to AQI levels exceeding 350–450 in many districts, a scenario public health experts warn is hazardous for all age groups, especially children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. 

Daily Life Disrupted

The toxic air has forced authorities to enforce stringent pollution control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including:

- Implementation of Stage-IV curbs with strict vehicle and construction restrictions. 

- Suspension or modification of outdoor activities in schools and institutions. 

- Travel advisories issued as over 100 flights were cancelled and 300 delayed due to low visibility at airports. 

Traffic movement and rail services too have faced delays and safety adjustments as operators contend with the dense haze blanketing tracks and tarmacs.

Also read: Air Quality in Delhi deteriorates

Government Actions & Public Health Warnings

In a bid to curb emissions and provide relief to residents, city officials have announced measures that range from remote working mandates in offices to compensatory support for workers affected by suspended construction activity. Authorities have also emphasized stricter enforcement against polluters and encouraged waste management practices that limit on-ground dust and particulate generation. 

Health experts are urging people to limit outdoor exposure, wear effective pollution masks, and use air purifiers indoors. “Even short exposures to air with very high PM2.5 concentrations can lead to worsening asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular strain,” warned a senior pulmonologist. (Health advisory based on common medical guidance on severe pollution.)

What’s Driving the Smog?

Meteorological conditions — including calm winds, cooler night temperatures, and low atmospheric mixing heights — are trapping pollutants close to the surface, according to weather analysts. Combined with vehicular emissions, construction dust, and regional crop burning in neighbouring states, these factors create a toxic cocktail that is difficult to disperse in the winter months. 

#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals from the AIIMS area this morning as a layer of toxic smog blankets the city.

AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 273, categorised as 'Poor', as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/8uxACzZMZe

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2025

Looking Ahead

Forecasts suggest that, without substantial wind shifts or rains, dense smog conditions may persist in the coming days, keeping AQI levels in the severe to very poor range. Health authorities and environmental agencies continue to monitor developments and issue advisories as the situation evolves.

Story: Environment Desk | BlazeB
Pics Courtesy: pixabay.com, unsplash.com