Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category, with a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 382.
Heavy smog formation was observed in various parts of the national capital in the early morning hours, compromising visibility for commuters.
#WATCH | Delhi | Pole-mounted mist spray system at ITO in operation to mitigate pollution, as a layer of toxic smog blankets the city.
— ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2025
AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 409, categorised as 'Very Poor', as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/z5hKz9qGJF
As per the Central Pollution Control Board's SAMEER app, out of 40 air quality monitoring stations across the city, 14 recorded severe air quality, while 26 were in the very poor category.
Under the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classification, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'.
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Meanwhile, in the ongoing winter session, the government informed the Parliament that there is no conclusive data establishing a direct correlation between higher air quality index (AQI) levels and lung diseases.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh was responding to a question by BJP MP Laxmikant Bajpayee, who asked whether the government was aware that studies and medical tests have confirmed that prolonged exposure to hazardous AQI levels in Delhi-NCR is leading to lung fibrosis, an irreversible reduction in lung capacity.
However, he acknowledged that air pollution is one of the triggering factors for respiratory ailments and associated diseases. The dangerous levels of pollution can affect lives, especially children, as faster breathing rates and developing lungs make them more vulnerable to toxic air.
Visit a health expert if you observe signs of continuous cough, fast or laboured breathing, disturbed sleep due to coughing, burning or redness in the eyes, skin irritation, or unusual fatigue.
