Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) saw a marginal improvement to 328 on Wednesday morning, moving down from 354 on Tuesday.
December 17, 2025: Despite a slight dip in the overall AQI, Delhi’s air quality remains firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data recorded around 8 am. The city continues to struggle with a thick, hazardous layer of smog, particularly visible in key locations such as Anand Vihar (AQI: 341), the areas around IGI Airport, ITO, and along National Highway 24.
Several monitoring stations recorded alarming ‘very poor’ readings:
- Bawana: 376
- ITO: 360
- Wazirpur: 359
- Narela: 342
A few areas showed marginal relief but still remained in the ‘poor’ category (AQI 201-300), including Burari Crossing (298), CRRI Mathura Road (297), and IGI Airport Terminal 3 (263). An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as ‘very poor,’ posing serious health risks.
Government Announces Stricter Anti-Pollution Measures
In an urgent response to the persistent air crisis, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced a new set of stringent measures targeting vehicular pollution:
- “No Fuel Without PUCC”: Starting Thursday, December 18, all petrol, diesel, and CNG pump dealers have been instructed to provide fuel only upon presentation of a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) for the vehicle.
- External Vehicle Ban: When the high-alert GRAP-III and GRAP-IV restrictions are in effect, vehicles registered outside Delhi and those of a category lower than BS-VI will be barred from entering the capital.
- Construction Material Barred: Vehicles carrying any kind of construction material will also be barred from entering Delhi when GRAP-IV is in force.
The Minister confirmed that these new rules will be verified using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems and ground-level checks.
Focus on Data-Driven Progress
Minister Sirsa defended the current government’s efforts, stating that despite the recent smog, eight out of the last eleven months have recorded better air quality compared to the previous year. He also highlighted that the average AQI in November remained approximately 20 points lower than the previous year, attributing the improvements to “daily stringent actions and structural reforms.”
Sirsa appealed to citizens to cooperate by obtaining valid PUCC certificates to ensure compliance and avoid inconvenience, reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing Delhi with clean air.