Delhi was enveloped in heavy smog on Saturday, December 13, 2025, as the city's air quality edged closer to the "severe" category, prompting health concerns among residents. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of around 390 by 8 a.m., falling in the "very poor" range, while multiple monitoring stations reported levels exceeding 400, entering "severe" territory.

Areas such as Jahangirpuri registered an AQI of 442, followed by Anand Vihar and Ghazipur at 435 each, Rohini at 436, and Chandni Chowk at 419. Other locations, including Burari Crossing, RK Puram, and surrounding neighborhoods, also showed elevated pollution, with a mix of dense smog and shallow fog drastically reducing visibility in the early morning hours.

According to AQI classifications, values between 401 and 500 are deemed "severe," posing risks of respiratory issues even for healthy people upon prolonged exposure. The "very poor" category (301-400) similarly warns of potential illness with extended outdoor activity, underscoring the hazardous conditions prevailing across much of the capital.

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Indira Gandhi International Airport implemented low-visibility procedures due to the haze but confirmed that flight operations continued normally. Authorities urged passengers to check with airlines for real-time updates, as similar foggy and polluted conditions had persisted from the previous day when the AQI hovered around 386.

Winter pollution in Delhi is typically aggravated by factors like vehicular emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, crop residue burning in adjoining states, and stagnant meteorological conditions that trap pollutants. Despite occasional marginal improvements, the recurring crisis highlights ongoing challenges in air quality management.

The latest deterioration has intensified discussions on enforcement of measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, with experts and officials monitoring the situation closely amid calls for coordinated regional efforts to mitigate the annual smog episode affecting public health and daily life.

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