Delhi persists in facing acute air pollution challenges on December 23, 2025, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) lingering in the very poor to severe range across multiple monitoring stations. Recent 24-hour averages have hovered between 366 and 410, reflecting sustained high levels of PM2.5 and other pollutants, while certain areas such as Anand Vihar and Narela have recorded severe readings exceeding 400. This marks a continuation of the month's trend, where no day has seen moderate air quality below 200, underscoring a notable worsening compared to prior winters.

Government authorities have enforced enhanced restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), progressing to higher stages including bans on non-essential construction and demolition activities, limitations on vehicle entry from neighboring regions, and the "No PUC, No Fuel" policy at petrol pumps. Additional measures encompass hybrid or online schooling in impacted zones, augmented public transport services, and prohibitions on older, high-emission vehicles to mitigate contributions from traffic and industrial sources.

The ongoing smog layer results from multiple factors, including calm wind conditions that hinder pollutant dispersal, declining temperatures fostering inversion layers, heavy vehicular exhaust, industrial emissions, and residual effects from seasonal agricultural residue burning in adjacent states. These meteorological elements have trapped fine particulates near ground level, exacerbating visibility reductions and creating persistent hazy conditions over the national capital and NCR.

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Medical professionals highlight elevated health hazards, particularly respiratory complications, cardiovascular strain, and eye irritation for susceptible populations such as children, seniors, and individuals with preexisting ailments. Recommendations include minimizing outdoor exposure, employing high-efficiency masks, utilizing indoor air purifiers, and monitoring symptoms closely, as prolonged inhalation of hazardous air can lead to long-term pulmonary damage.

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