The National Capital records an AQI of 220, moving out of the ‘Severe’ zone for the first time in weeks; authorities relax entry for non-BS-VI vehicles as high winds disperse smog.
December 25, 2025: Residents of Delhi woke up to a clearer sky and improved air quality on Thursday, December 25, 2025, as the city’s toxic smog finally began to lift.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 220 as of 9:00 AM, a sharp recovery from the “Severe” levels (above 400) seen earlier this month.
Localized Air Quality Snapshot
While the city average remains in the ‘Poor’ category, several key areas have transitioned into the ‘Moderate’ zone due to favorable wind speeds.
| Location | AQI (at 9 AM) | Category |
| IGI Airport (T3) | 123 | Moderate |
| Aya Nagar | 138 | Moderate |
| IIT Delhi | 156 | Moderate |
| Lodhi Road | 162 | Moderate |
| Anand Vihar | 292 | Poor |
Revocation of GRAP-IV Restrictions
Following the improvement, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect on Wednesday night.
Entry Relaxed: Non-Delhi registered light commercial vehicles and heavy goods vehicles (below BS-VI standards) are now permitted to enter the city.
Work from Home Ended: The mandatory 50% work-from-home policy for government and private offices has been lifted, though it remains “recommended.”
Construction: While some restrictions have eased, the ban on certain dust-heavy construction activities under GRAP-III remains strictly in place.
“No PUC, No Fuel” Policy
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasized that the government is not dropping its guard.
Strict Enforcement: The flagship “No PUCC, No Fuel” campaign will continue year-round. Petrol pumps have been instructed to deny fuel to any vehicle without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate.
Industry Watch: The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) recently issued closure notices to 411 polluting industrial units to ensure the air quality does not slide back into the ‘Severe’ category.
IMD Fog Warning
Despite the clearer air, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert for Christmas morning.
Dense Fog: A “yellow alert” is in place for Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab, with visibility expected to drop below 50 meters in isolated pockets.
Temperature: The minimum temperature is expected to hover between 6°C and 8°C, making it one of the coldest Christmas mornings in recent years.