As per CPCB data accessed via its Sameer mobile application, the national capital recorded an overall AQI of 392 in the morning, placing air quality firmly in the “very poor” bracket.
Several locations, however, slipped into the “severe” category. Anand Vihar reported one of the highest pollution levels, with AQI reading at 444, as per news agency PTI.
Out of the monitoring stations across the capital, 19 recorded “severe” air quality levels, while the remaining stations continued to register “very poor” conditions. Under CPCB standards, AQI readings between 301 and 400 are considered “very poor”, while values above 400 fall in the “severe” category.
Dense smog blankets Delhi
Residents woke up to a thick blanket of smog, reducing visibility across large parts of the city. Visuals from areas such as Anand Vihar showed roads and residential pockets engulfed in dense haze, as pollution levels climbed past the 400-mark in multiple locations, as per News18.
#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals around the Akshardham area as a layer of smog engulfs the national capital.
AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 445, categorised as ‘Severe’, as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/oJ28FHa4Az— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2025
The pollution situation had already worsened by the evening of Saturday, December 27, when the overall AQI touched 390.
Several Delhi-NCR areas reported even higher readings, with Patparganj at 431, Nehru Nagar at 442, Shadipur at 429, Sirifort at 402 and RK Puram at 412, indicating widespread “severe” air quality.
Travel disruptions amid low visibility
The smog, combined with winter fog, led to reduced visibility and disruptions in transport. Several trains were delayed, with visuals emerging from New Delhi Railway Station showing hazy conditions around the premises, as per PTI.
The Delhi airport, meanwhile, issued a fog advisory for passengers. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the airport said, “All flight operations are continuing normally as visibility at the airport improves. Passengers are requested to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information. Please be assured that our on-ground officials are available across all terminals to provide necessary support.”
#WATCH | Visibility improves at the runway at IGI airport as early morning fog starts dissipating across Delhi-NCR.
Delhi Airport issued a passenger advisory at 9 am stating, “All flight operations are continuing normally as visibility at the airport improves. Passengers are… pic.twitter.com/I2jixjEA2v— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2025
Cold weather worsens pollution
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 6.3 degrees Celsius on December 28, about 0.5 degrees below the seasonal average, with humidity at 71% at 8.30 am, as per PTI.
The maximum temperature is expected to reach around 21 degrees Celsius, with mainly clear skies forecast. According to the weather agency, calm winds, cold conditions and dense fog are trapping pollutants near the surface.
In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including curbs on construction and industrial activity, while measures such as the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule remain in place.
#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals around India Gate as a layer of toxic smog engulfs the national capital.
AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 378, categorised as ‘Very Poor’, as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/FJF7ShS39g— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2025
Health advisories continue to urge vulnerable groups to limit outdoor exposure during periods of “very poor” air quality, as per News18.
