Delhi AQI Today: Air Quality Slips to ‘Poor’, Smog Layer Returns Across Capital
Image source: Google
New Delhi: The national capital woke up to a thick blanket of smog on December 1 as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped back into the ‘poor’ category, touching 299—just below the threshold for ‘very poor’ pollution levels. The drop comes only a day after the city recorded its cleanest air in nearly a month, with an AQI of 279 on Sunday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Despite the improvement over the past week, the familiar winter pollution pattern resurfaced on Monday morning. Visuals from India Gate, ITO, Kartavya Path, and Anand Vihar showed a dense toxic layer hanging over the city, reducing visibility and triggering renewed health concerns among residents.
Delhi’s Monitoring Stations Reflect Sharp Deterioration
At 7:05 AM, the Sameer App showed that 23 monitoring stations were reporting air quality in the ‘very poor’ range.
- Best AQI: NSIT Dwarka – 195 (‘Moderate’)
- Worst AQI: Nehru Nagar, Rohini, Bawana – in ‘Very Poor’ range
The rise in pollution follows a brief improvement driven by favourable wind speed and reduced emissions over the weekend.
Delhi Records Best January–November Air Quality in Eight Years
Despite intermittent dips, Delhi has recorded one of its cleanest years since 2018 for the period from January to November.
Average AQI (Jan–Nov):
- 2025: 187 (best in 8 years)
- 2024: 201
- 2023: 190
- 2022: 199
- 2021: 197
- 2019: 203
- 2018: 213
Notably, 2020 — the pandemic lockdown year — is excluded due to abnormal emissions data.
Severe Pollution Days Falling Sharply
- 2025: 3 days
- 2024: 11 days
- 2023: 12 days
- 2021: 17 days
No day in 2025 crossed the AQI mark of 450, unlike previous years when the city frequently saw “emergency-level” pollution.
PM2.5 and PM10 Levels Show Noticeable Improvement
According to ANI and CPCB data:
- PM2.5 concentrations — lowest in the past two years
- PM10 levels — also improved significantly
Even with the continued challenges of stubble burning, local emissions, and winter inversions, these indicators point to gradual progress.
CAQM Tightens GRAP Measures Across Delhi-NCR
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on November 29 issued a revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), tightening restrictions across Delhi–NCR.
Key GRAP Decisions:
- Measures under Stage IV (Severe AQI) have been triggered under Stage III itself.
- Government & private offices may be asked to operate with 50% staff strength, and remaining officers can work from home.
- Final call will be taken by the NCR State Governments and the Delhi Government (GNCTD).
- Central Government will decide separately for its employees.
This move is designed to preempt a rapid spike in pollution levels, common during early December.
Public and Expert Reactions
Residents expressed concern over the sudden return of smog despite two days of clearer skies.
Neha Gupta, a Delhi University professor, said:
"The brief improvement gave us hope, but the smog has come back much faster than expected. Winter is only beginning."
Environmental experts, however, maintain that the overall AQI trend for 2025 is encouraging.
Anumita Roychowdhury, Centre for Science and Environment, noted:
"This year’s data shows structural improvements—cleaner fuel, stricter monitoring, better enforcement. But winter remains Delhi’s weakest link."
Medical professionals have urged residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activity and use N95 masks during peak smog hours.
Analysis: Why the Air Quality Slipped Again
Experts attribute Monday’s deterioration to:
- Drop in wind speed
- Dense overnight fog trapping pollutants
- Seasonal temperature inversion
- Increased vehicular emissions beginning Monday
While long-term improvements are visible, Delhi’s winter pollution cycle remains difficult to break without addressing root causes such as industrial emissions, dust control, and regional crop burning.
Conclusion
Delhi’s air quality remains in a delicate balance. While January–November recorded historic improvement, the seasonal winter smog continues to challenge both policymakers and residents. The CAQM’s pre-emptive tightening of GRAP measures reflects vigilance, but weather conditions will largely determine how the city fares in the next few weeks.
Final Thoughts from Chronicle.TheTrendingPeople.com
Delhi’s air quality story continues to be a complex journey of slow progress and periodic setbacks. The sharp improvement seen through most of 2025 proves that policy interventions, cleaner fuels, and better monitoring can shift long-term trends. Yet, the recurring winter dip is a reminder that environmental gains remain fragile unless supported by sustainable regional solutions. As the city enters peak pollution season, consistent enforcement of GRAP, public awareness, and transparent data will be critical. Chronicle will continue tracking how India’s capital navigates the evolving challenge of clean air, public health, and responsible governance.
