Delhi Air Stays Very Poor, Noida Tops NCR Pollution List as AQI Crosses 400
New Delhi | December 19, 2025
Air quality in Delhi continued to remain in the “very poor” category for the fourth consecutive day on Friday, with dense smog, low visibility, and rising health complaints across the National Capital Region (NCR). Noida emerged as the most polluted city in NCR, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 410, placing it in the “severe” category.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI stood at 374, slightly higher than Thursday, keeping the capital’s air firmly in the very poor range. The day began with thick fog and haze, while a blanket of smog persisted throughout the day, significantly reducing visibility in several areas.
Residents reported eye irritation, coughing, headaches, and breathing difficulties, with respiratory patients experiencing increased discomfort as pollution levels continued to rise.
NCR Pollution Snapshot
Noida: 410 (Severe)
Ghaziabad: 358 (Very Poor)
Greater Noida: 322 (Very Poor)
Gurugram: 322 (Very Poor)
Faridabad: 251 (Poor – cleanest in NCR)
Pollution Sources in Delhi
As per Delhi’s Decision Support System (DSS) for air quality management, pollution sources were distributed as follows:
Vehicular emissions: 15.91%
Peripheral industries: 7.95%
Residential sources: 3.86%
Construction activities: 2.16%
CPCB data showed that winds were blowing from the west-northwest at 10 kmph, with a maximum mixing height of 900 meters and a ventilation index of 6,000 m²/s, conditions insufficient to disperse pollutants effectively.
At 3 PM, particulate matter levels remained alarmingly high, with PM10 at 292.4 µg/m³ and PM2.5 at 183.7 µg/m³, far exceeding safe limits.
Outlook for the Coming Days
The CPCB has forecast that air quality is likely to remain in the very poor category through Saturday, with a risk of slipping into the severe range between Sunday and Monday. Authorities warn that worsening conditions could further aggravate respiratory issues, eye irritation, throat discomfort, and allergy-related symptoms.
Several areas across Delhi recorded very poor to severe air quality on Friday, underscoring the deepening winter pollution crisis in the capital and its surrounding regions.
