Delhi woke up to another day under a thick layer of smog on Sunday, with the city’s air quality continuing to pose serious health risks for its residents. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 9 a.m. was recorded at 303, placing it firmly in the “very poor” category. While there has been a slight improvement compared to the extreme levels seen in previous weeks, large parts of the national capital remained engulfed in dense, toxic haze.

Areas such as Anand Vihar and ITO reported particularly low visibility early in the morning, as a blanket of smog settled across the city. According to CPCB data, several monitoring stations across Delhi fell into the “very poor” category, indicating that the situation is widespread rather than localized. Ashok Vihar recorded an AQI of 322, Bawana 352, Burari 318, Chandni Chowk 307, and Dwarka 307. These numbers reflect dangerously high levels of air pollution, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to safeguard public health.

The Air Quality Index, ranging from 0 to 500, is divided into six categories. A reading 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.” Delhi’s AQI consistently falling in the “very poor” category indicates the presence of high concentrations of particulate matter and other pollutants, which can have serious health implications, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Persistent winter smog in Delhi has been exacerbated by multiple factors, including vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, and crop stubble burning in neighboring states. During the winter months, cooler temperatures and low wind speeds trap pollutants close to the ground, creating what is commonly referred to as a “smog layer.” The resulting dense haze significantly reduces visibility, affects transportation, and increases the risk of respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and other lung-related conditions.

In response to growing concerns over air pollution in Delhi, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recently issued a statement addressing the alarming levels of pollution in the national capital and adjoining areas. This statement was issued following a query raised in the Rajya Sabha by Member of Parliament Dr. Laxmikant Bajpayee, who highlighted studies claiming that one in every seven deaths in Delhi could be attributed to toxic air.

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, responded by noting that multiple studies conducted by academic and research institutions have documented the severe health impacts of air pollution. He also pointed out that despite high pollution levels, the AQI in 2025 had not reached the “severe-plus” category on any single day, though the prolonged exposure to “very poor” air quality remains a serious public health concern.

To combat this persistent environmental crisis, the government has taken several measures. Central among them is the establishment of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021. The commission is mandated to oversee air quality management in Delhi-NCR and neighboring regions. It operates in a collective, collaborative, and participative manner, involving all major stakeholders, including state governments, municipal bodies, and industrial representatives.

Since its inception, the CAQM has issued 95 statutory directions aimed at guiding and enforcing actions to abate air pollution. These directions cover a wide range of activities, including controlling vehicular emissions, regulating industrial output, monitoring construction dust, and curbing crop residue burning. In addition, the commission has implemented the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which is designed to tackle pollution levels during peak winter months. GRAP measures include restrictions on industrial operations, vehicular movement, and construction activities when pollution exceeds critical thresholds.

The government has also strengthened emission norms for polluting activities in the National Capital Region (NCR) and conducts regular review meetings to monitor progress and ensure compliance. Authorities emphasize that tackling air pollution is a multi-faceted challenge that requires coordination between various agencies and the cooperation of the public. In recent years, measures such as the introduction of electric vehicles, promotion of public transportation, and incentives for clean fuel adoption have been implemented to reduce vehicular emissions, one of the largest contributors to Delhi’s poor air quality.

Despite these efforts, the seasonal smog that envelops Delhi each winter remains a significant public health challenge. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) can lead to long-term health effects, including chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and reduced life expectancy. The dense haze also affects daily life in the city, disrupting transportation, reducing visibility, and impacting outdoor activities and schooling.

Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially during early morning and evening hours when pollution tends to peak. Wearing N95 masks, using air purifiers indoors, and avoiding strenuous outdoor exercise are recommended precautions. Authorities also urge citizens to reduce emissions by limiting the use of private vehicles, opting for public transportation, and avoiding burning waste or firecrackers during the winter months.

While the government continues to address structural issues contributing to air pollution, the recurring winter smog highlights the need for long-term solutions. These include promoting renewable energy, enhancing green cover, regulating industrial emissions more strictly, and ensuring better enforcement of environmental laws across the NCR. Experts emphasize that collective action—both by authorities and citizens—is essential to mitigate the health and environmental risks posed by persistent air pollution.

In conclusion, Delhi’s air quality continues to remain in the “very poor” category despite minor improvements in recent weeks. With AQI readings crossing 300 in several key areas, residents are exposed to significant health risks from prolonged inhalation of toxic pollutants. The government, through the Commission for Air Quality Management and other regulatory measures, has implemented multiple initiatives to combat air pollution, but the challenge remains complex and ongoing. As winter progresses, both authorities and citizens must take proactive steps to limit exposure, reduce emissions, and ensure that Delhi’s air quality does not reach even more hazardous levels.

The situation serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustained environmental action and the importance of collective responsibility in addressing one of the most pressing public health crises facing India today.