Severe Air Pollution Chokes Delhi
New Delhi, India , December 21, 2025
Delhi recorded another day of hazardous air quality as the city’s average AQI stood at 376 on Saturday morning, according to the Delhi Air Quality Early Warning System. Due to local pollution sources and slow wind speed, air quality has remained in the “severe” category for five consecutive days, with several locations breaching the 400 mark.
AQI Crosses 400 in Multiple Areas
As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data at 7 AM, pollution levels remained critically high across the capital:
Vivek Vihar: 430
ITO: 433
Anand Vihar: 428
Jahangirpuri: 425
Wazirpur: 420
Punjabi Bagh: 415
Rohini: 415
Mundka: 416
Ashok Vihar: 412
Chandni Chowk: 410
RK Puram: 405
Other areas including Burari, Alipur, Dwarka Sector 8, Sonia Vihar, and IGI Airport T3 reported AQI levels ranging from very poor to severe.
Dense Fog Reduces Visibility Across Capital
The capital remained wrapped in thick fog and smog during early morning hours, drastically reducing visibility in many parts of the city. Residents reported eye irritation and breathing discomfort, particularly among elderly citizens and people with respiratory illnesses.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange Alert for dense fog on Saturday, while a Yellow Alert has been announced for December 21 and 22. Weather officials warned that foggy conditions may persist for the next four days.
Road Traffic Disrupted Due to Low Visibility
Dense fog led to slow-moving traffic on major roads and highways, especially during early morning hours. Drivers faced poor visibility, increasing the risk of accidents and causing delays in daily commute across the National Capital Region (NCR).
Flight Operations Impacted; IGI Airport Advisory Issued
The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport issued a travel advisory as low-visibility procedures were activated. Airport authorities confirmed that flight operations are currently normal, but warned that delays cannot be ruled out.
Passengers have been advised to check flight status with their airlines before leaving for the airport.
