Air quality in New Delhi has reached the highest “hazardous” level, prompting emergency measures to combat pollution.
The air quality index (AQI) in India’s most populous city reached a hazardous 491 on December 14 (a maximum of 500), up from 441 the day before, making it among the highest and most dangerous in the world.
In response, authorities have restricted the entry of older diesel trucks, suspended construction projects, and switched schools to hybrid learning. They have also urged vulnerable groups, including children and people with heart or respiratory problems, to stay indoors and not go out without wearing masks.
The metropolis of more than 30 million people faces a sharp increase in air pollution every winter, as cold air traps vehicle and industrial emissions.
Viral clips from Delhi-NCR and Noida reveal a suffocating smog blanket and not clouds, but deadly pollution blotting out buildings mere metres away.
— The Sentinel (@Sentinel_Assam) December 16, 2025
AQI soared to 461 on Sunday, the season’s worst, with hotspots like Jahangirpuri (498) and Anand Vihar (493) in ‘severe’ danger… pic.twitter.com/3FbT1qgUba
#WATCH | A thick layer of smog engulfs the National Capital. Visuals from the Barapullah flyover. AQI here is 433, categorised as 'severe' as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) pic.twitter.com/3FX7wR5LQx
— ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2025
