Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) continued to grapple with hazardous air quality on December 16, 2025, though a marginal improvement was recorded from the previous day’s ‘Severe’ levels. Thick smog and dense fog reduced visibility, disrupting flights and daily life, while strict measures under GRAP Stage 4 stayed in force to curb further deterioration.
Latest AQI Update (December 16, 2025)
Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) improved slightly to the ‘Very Poor’ category, recording around 377-381 in the morning, down from ‘Severe’ readings of over 450 the previous day. However, several monitoring stations still reported ‘Severe’ levels in areas like Anand Vihar and Mundka.
Forecasts indicate the air quality may remain in the ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Severe’ range over the next few days due to calm winds and low temperatures trapping pollutants.
What is AQI and Its Levels in India?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a color-coded system used by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to indicate air pollution levels and associated health risks. It is based on concentrations of pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, NO2, ozone, and others.
Here are the standard AQI categories in India:
0-50: Good – Minimal health impact.
51-100: Satisfactory – Minor issues for sensitive groups.
101-200: Moderate – Discomfort for people with respiratory conditions.
201-300: Poor – Breathing issues on prolonged exposure.
301-400: Very Poor – Respiratory illness possible; affects healthy people too.
401-500: Severe – Serious effects on health, even for healthy individuals.
Readings above 500 are often categorized as ‘Severe+’ or ‘Hazardous’.
Flight Disruptions Continue at Delhi Airport
Dense fog combined with smog severely impacted operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport on December 15, with reports of over 228 flights cancelled, hundreds delayed, and several diverted. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India issued advisories, urging passengers to check statuses.
On December 16, disruptions persisted in parts of northern India, though visibility showed slight improvement in some areas.
Lionel Messi’s Delayed Arrival and Cancelled Meeting with PM Modi
Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, on the final leg of his ‘GOAT Tour’ in India, faced delays. His chartered flight from Mumbai to Delhi was postponed due to poor weather, causing a scheduled morning meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be cancelled. PM Modi departed on a multi-nation tour, further complicating the plans.
Health Impacts on Humans and Animals
The toxic air continues to affect residents and animals alike:
Surveys show a high percentage of people reporting pollution-related illnesses in close circles.
Veterinarians note rising respiratory, eye, and digestive issues in pets and strays due to fine particles weakening immunity.
What is GRAP Stage 4 and Key Restrictions?
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) – the strictest level – when AQI exceeds 450 (‘Severe+’).
Stage 4 restrictions include (in addition to earlier stages):
Ban on non-essential truck entry into Delhi (except clean fuel/essential goods).
Complete stop on construction and demolition work.
50% work-from-home for offices.
Online/hybrid classes for schools (Delhi ordered online up to Class 5).
Ban on diesel generators, certain industries, and open burning.
Authorities may consider additional steps like odd-even vehicle schemes if needed.
Government and Court Response
Schools shifted to online/hybrid modes to protect students.
Supreme Court advised hybrid hearings.
Long-term solutions are urgently needed to tackle recurring winter pollution from stubble burning, vehicles, and industry.
Stay safe, use masks, and limit outdoor activities until conditions improve.
