Delhi Air Quality Deteriorates to 'Severe' Level Amid Cold Weather and Smog

The Hindu
The Hindu
28m ago • 1 views
Delhi's AQI hit 459, 'severe' category, triggering emergency pollution control and hybrid schooling measures.
Delhi Air Quality Deteriorates to 'Severe' Level Amid Cold Weather and Smog
A What happened
On December 14, 2025, Delhi's air quality deteriorated sharply, registering an AQI of 459, which falls in the 'severe' category as per CPCB standards. The city was covered by a thick layer of smog amid lower-than-average temperatures and high humidity, exacerbating respiratory risks. In response, authorities activated Stage-IV actions under the Graded Response Action Plan. Additionally, the Delhi Directorate of Education ordered hybrid modes of teaching up to Class IX and XI to protect students from exposure. These coordinated interventions reflect the growing challenge of urban air pollution during winter months in India's capital region.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Systemic challenges in urban air quality management: Delhi's recurring severe pollution episodes highlight structural issues like reliance on fossil fuels, vehicular emissions, crop residue burning, and unfavorable meteorological conditions.

  • 2

    Health and education sectors under pressure from environmental crises: The shift to hybrid schooling indicates increasing recognition of environmental hazards' impact on public health and education. Recurrent pollution spikes force adaptive strategies that disrupt normal schooling and strain health infrastructure.

Takeaways

Delhi’s episodic air quality degradation demands sustained multi-sectoral strategies beyond emergency responses to safeguard public health and urban livability.

Topics

Work & Education Education Health & Medicine Public Health World & Politics Policy & Regulation