December 30, 2025
NEW DELHI – Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 402 at 8 am, pushing the national capital into the ‘severe’ pollution category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Several parts of the city recorded AQI levels well above 400. Anand Vihar emerged as one of the most polluted areas with an AQI of 455, followed by Wazirpur at 443, Rohini at 442, Patparganj at 431, Punjabi Bagh at 426, and Bawana at 411. These readings indicate a significant worsening of air quality across large swathes of the capital.
On 28 December, Delhi had recorded an AQI of 390 at 4 pm, which fell under the ‘very poor’ category. CPCB data showed that pollution levels have since intensified, with multiple monitoring stations slipping into the ‘severe’ bracket.
The worsening air quality coincided with dense fog and cold winter conditions across the city. A thick blanket of fog reduced visibility significantly during the morning hours, forcing motorists to use headlights and causing discomfort to residents.
Enforcement measures to curb pollution
Amid rising pollution levels, the Delhi Transport Department has increased enforcement actions to ensure compliance with emission norms. According to official data, around 28 goods-carrying buses, including interstate vehicles, were impounded recently. Nearly 100 buses have been impounded so far this month for violating pollution norms.
During the enforcement drive, 4,927 vehicles were inspected, leading to 2,390 challans issued by Delhi Traffic Police for Pollution Under Control (PUCC) violations, 285 challans by Transport Enforcement teams, and 1,114 challans generated through ANPR cameras. Additionally, 11 vehicles were penalised for violations under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the Transport Department, while Delhi Traffic Police issued 170 GRAP-related challans. A total of 238 vehicles were released after compliance.
The Transport Department has also taken action against erring Pollution Under Control (PUC) centres. Around 28 centres have been suspended, two cancelled, and action initiated against two others.
Reiterating the government’s citizen-centric approach, Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh directed senior officials to personally inspect PUC centres across the city.
“Our fight against pollution requires both strict enforcement and citizen convenience. While action against polluting vehicles will continue without compromise, I have directed senior officials to personally inspect PUC centres to ensure that people face no difficulty in obtaining certificates. Any irregularity found will be dealt with strictly,” Singh said, adding that clean air and transparent, hassle-free services remain top priorities for the government.