Delhi-NCR air quality improves slightly, remains hazardous

December 16, 2025

New Delhi: Northwesterly winds slightly reduced the fog and haze in Delhi and NCR on Tuesday, leading to a slight improvement in air quality and visibility. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped from the ‘severe’ to the ‘very poor’ category at 381.

Severe pollution persists in many areas
However, the relief was limited, and the AQI remained in the ‘severe’ category at around eight monitoring stations across the capital. Wazirpur remained the most polluted, with an AQI of 434, while areas like Jahangirpuri, Mundka, DTU, and Nehru Nagar also experienced very poor conditions.

Health and traffic impacts continue
Dangerous pollution levels continue to impact public life. Poor visibility forced the cancellation of more than 220 flights at Delhi airport on Monday. In view of the health risks, the Delhi government has advised schools up to Class 5 to go online and courts to conduct virtual hearings.