The national capital continues to gasp for breath as its air quality deteriorated significantly, entering the 'very poor' category with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 386. The situation is even more critical in specific pockets of the city, where pollution levels have breached alarming thresholds.
Widespread Severe Pollution Across Monitoring Stations
Official data sourced from the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) 'Sameer' application painted a grim picture for Sunday, December 21, 2025. The readings indicated that a total of 16 air quality monitoring stations scattered across Delhi reported air quality in the 'severe' category. This is the highest and most dangerous level on the AQI scale, signifying that the pollution concentration poses a serious risk to public health, even for healthy individuals.
City Blanketed Under 'Very Poor' Air
While these 16 stations recorded the worst conditions, the remaining monitoring stations in the city were not far behind. Data confirmed that all other stations measured air quality levels within the 'very poor' band. This means the entire city was enveloped in highly polluted air, with the overall AQI settling at 386, firmly in the 'very poor' zone. The persistence of such conditions highlights a severe environmental and public health crisis.
Implications and Public Health Advisory
An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as 'very poor', and can lead to respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. The 'severe' category, where AQI exceeds 401, carries more dire warnings. Authorities typically advise the public to avoid all outdoor physical activity when air quality reaches these levels. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, are at particularly high risk and are urged to remain indoors. The data, recorded and published in the early hours of December 21, underscores the urgent need for sustained mitigation efforts and heightened public awareness regarding the capital's ongoing air pollution challenge.
