Delhi witnessed a slight improvement in air quality on Wednesday morning, but pollution levels remained firmly in the “very poor” category, with a thick layer of smog continuing in major parts of the national capital. The overall (AQI) was recorded at 328 around 8 am, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
The improvement was marginal in comparison to Tuesday, when the AQI was reported at 354 at around 4 pm. Despite the drop, several parts of the city remained under toxic haze, with visibility and air conditions staying challenging across several locations.
#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals around Anand Vihar area as a thick layer of toxic smog engulfs the national capital.
AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 341, categorised as 'Very poor', as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board).
CAQM (Commission for Air Quality… pic.twitter.com/WCp82nL8mJ
— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2025
Smog blankets key areas, very poor readings across several zones
Areas like Anand Vihar continued to be under thick smog, with AQI at 341 (very poor), as per CPCB. As per a report by ANI, smog covered areas like IGI Airport, AIIMS, ITO, Dhaula Kuan and the Ghazipur National Highway 24.
CPCB data showed multiple localities continuing in the “very poor” bracket on Wednesday morning, including Bawana (376), Narela (342), ITO (360) Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (324). Wazipur also recorded 359, remaining in the ‘very poor’ category.
As per CPCB Live Air quality Index of Delhi
| Area | AQI | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Anand Vihar | 342 | Very Poor |
| Chandni Chowk | 328 | Very Poor |
| DTU | 357 | Very Poor |
| Dwarka Sector 8 | 341 | Very Poor |
| IGI Airport (T3) | 260 | Poor |
| ITO | 359 | Very Poor |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium | 324 | Very Poor |
| Lodhi Road | 287 | Poor |
| Mundka | 368 | Very Poor |
| Najafgarh | 301 | Very Poor |
| North Campus | 319 | Very Poor |
| Okhla Phase-2 | 336 | Very Poor |
| Patparganj | 330 | Very Poor |
| Pusa | 365 | Very Poor |
| Rohini | 363 | Very Poor |
| Shadipur | 341 | Very Poor |
| Sri Aurobindo Marg | 312 | Very Poor |
| Wazirpur | 360 | Very Poor |
GRAP-IV action and vehicle-emission restrictions
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented all actions under GRAP Stage -IV in Delhi-NCR amid the pollution situation. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced stricter measures to curb vehicular emissions. From December 18, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will not be supplied fuel at petrol pumps in the national capital. While addressing a press conference, Sirsa stated, “To control tailpipe emissions from vehicles, all petrol/diesel/CNG pump dealers have been ordered to provide fuel only upon presentation of a valid PUCC,” as quoted by ANI.
Sirsa mentioned the PUCC and vehicle categories will be verified through Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems and ground checks.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted shallow to moderate fog during morning hours in Delhi. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be around 24 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius, respectively.