New Delhi witnessed one of its most polluted Decembers in recent years, with air quality levels deteriorating sharply and reaching their worst since 2018. Thick smog engulfed the national capital for most of the month, reducing visibility, disrupting daily life, and raising serious health concerns among residents.
According to air quality monitoring agencies, Delhi repeatedly recorded “severe” and “severe-plus” Air Quality Index (AQI) levels throughout December. Calm wind conditions, low temperatures, and high moisture trapped pollutants close to the ground, worsening the smog situation. Vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollution, and stubble burning in neighboring states combined to create a toxic mix.
Hospitals across Delhi reported a noticeable rise in patients suffering from respiratory issues, eye irritation, asthma attacks, and other pollution-related illnesses. Doctors warned that prolonged exposure to such high pollution levels could have long-term health impacts, especially on children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.
The Delhi government implemented emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including restrictions on construction activities, limits on vehicle movement, and advisories urging residents to stay indoors. Schools were occasionally forced to shift to online classes as pollution levels crossed hazardous thresholds.
Environmental experts stressed that while emergency steps provide temporary relief, long-term solutions are urgently needed. They called for stricter emission controls, improved public transport, better waste management, and coordinated action between Delhi and neighboring states to tackle the recurring winter pollution crisis.
As December ended under a blanket of smog, the alarming pollution levels once again highlighted the urgent need for sustainable policies and public cooperation to ensure cleaner air for the capital in the coming years.
