New Delhi, India | December 27, 2025
Air quality in the national capital deteriorated sharply on Saturday as slow wind speed and shifting wind direction pushed pollution levels close to the severe category. Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 385, placing it firmly in the very poor range, according to official data.
This marks a 53-point jump compared to Friday, raising health concerns across the city, especially for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.
🏭 Noida Most Polluted in NCR
Across the National Capital Region (NCR), Noida emerged as the most polluted city, registering a severe AQI of 409. Other NCR cities also reported alarming levels:
Ghaziabad: AQI 404 (Severe)
Greater Noida: AQI 395 (Very Poor)
Gurugram: AQI 299 (Poor)
Faridabad recorded the cleanest air in NCR, though it still remained in the poor category with an AQI of 249.
🚗 Vehicular Emissions Major Contributor
According to the Decision Support System for Air Quality Management, vehicular emissions contributed the highest share at 16.17% to Delhi’s pollution load. Other sources included:
Peripheral industries: 8.42%
Residential areas: 4.04%
Construction activities: 1.46%
Road dust: 1.15%
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that winds blew from the north at a speed of 5 km/h, with a mixing height of 900 meters and a ventilation index of 4,500 m²/s, conditions unfavorable for pollutant dispersion.
🌫️ PM Levels Remain Alarmingly High
By 3 PM on Saturday:
PM10 levels: 326.4 µg/m³
PM2.5 levels: 212 µg/m³
Both values far exceed safe limits, posing serious health risks.
⚠️ Poor Air to Persist
The CPCB forecast indicates that air quality is likely to remain in the same range until Tuesday. Health experts warn of increased cases of breathing difficulty, eye irritation, coughing, and headaches during this period.
Several areas of Delhi continued to record air quality in the very poor to severe categories, underscoring the urgent need for precautionary measures.
