Delhi on Thursday (Dec 25), Christmas day, woke up to noticeably cleaner air, offering residents a brief sense of relief after days of choking pollution. The city's overall Air Quality Index stood at 221 around 8 am, a sharp improvement from Wednesday (Dec 24), when readings had crossed the 300 mark. Even so, the air remained firmly in the "poor" category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).<h2>Haze lingers, but AQI improves</h2>Across much of the capital, a thin haze was still visible. In areas like Anand Vihar, Dhaula Kuan, Akshardham and around India Gate, light smog lingered through the morning hours, though visibility was better than earlier in the week. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 292, while several other pollution hotspots also showed improvement but stayed within the poor range.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-shuts-doors-on-older-cars-is-your-vehicle-banned-in-delhi-new-bs-vi-rule-explained-1765943212616">Delhi shuts doors on older cars: Is your vehicle banned in Delhi? New BS VI rule EXPLAINED</a>CPCB readings showed Bawana at 289, Chandni Chowk at 255, Dwarka Sector 8 at 222 and Patparganj at 230. DTU, another closely watched location, recorded an AQI of 249. These numbers marked a clear drop from earlier levels, but they still indicated "poor" air.Some parts of the city fared better. Aya Nagar recorded an AQI of 137, moving into the "moderate" category. Similar readings were seen at Mandir Marg (171), Najafgarh (137), and CRRI Mathura Road (162).<h2>GRAP IV revoked</h2>The improvement prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management to revoke Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Wednesday. The decision followed a review of current conditions and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).In its order, the commission noted that Delhi's AQI had shown consistent improvement since Monday night.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deadly-nh-48-crash-sleeper-bus-gutted-by-fire-after-truck-collision-in-karnataka-s-chitradurga-1766627889426">Sleeper bus gutted by fire after truck collision in Karnataka's Chitradurga, over 10 killed; PM Modi announces ex-gratia</a><h2>Choking air to return</h2>However, it also cautioned that forecasts indicate winds may slow in the coming days, which could lead to a rise in pollution levels again. "The AQI in Delhi has shown significant improvement since last night, owing to high winds and favourable meteorological conditions, and was recorded at 271 ("Poor" category) on 24.12.2025. Air Quality forecast provided by IMD/IITM suggests an increase in AQI of Delhi due to slower winds in the coming days."<h2>AQI levels: All you need to know</h2>Under CPCB standards, AQI levels between 401-500 are classified as 'severe'; 301-400 as 'very poor'; between 201 and 300 is 'poor', while 101 to 200 is considered 'moderate'. Readings between 51 and 100 fall into the 'satisfactory' range, and below 50 are considered 'good'.

Delhi woke up to cleaner air on Christmas, with AQI dropping to around 221 from over 300 a day earlier. GRAP IV curbs were lifted as winds improved conditions, but authorities warned pollution could rise again as winds slow in coming days.

Delhi on Thursday (Dec 25), Christmas day, woke up to noticeably cleaner air, offering residents a brief sense of relief after days of choking pollution. The city's overall Air Quality Index stood at 221 around 8 am, a sharp improvement from Wednesday (Dec 24), when readings had crossed the 300 mark. Even so, the air remained firmly in the "poor" category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Haze lingers, but AQI improves Across much of the capital, a thin haze was still visible. In areas like Anand Vihar, Dhaula Kuan, Akshardham and around India Gate, light smog lingered through the morning hours, though visibility was better than earlier in the week. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 292, while several other pollution hotspots also showed improvement but stayed within the poor range. Also read | Delhi shuts doors on older cars: Is your vehicle banned in Delhi? New BS VI rule EXPLAINED CPCB readings showed Bawana at 289, Chandni Chowk at 255, Dwarka Sector 8 at 222 and Patparganj at 230. DTU, another closely watched location, recorded an AQI of 249. These numbers marked a clear drop from earlier levels, but they still indicated "poor" air. Some parts of the city fared better. Aya Nagar recorded an AQI of 137, moving into the "moderate" category. Similar readings were seen at Mandir Marg (171), Najafgarh (137), and CRRI Mathura Road (162). GRAP IV revoked The improvement prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management to revoke Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Wednesday. The decision followed a review of current conditions and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). In its order, the commission noted that Delhi's AQI had shown consistent improvement since Monday night. Also read | Sleeper bus gutted by fire after truck collision in Karnataka's Chitradurga, over 10 killed; PM Modi announces ex-gratia Choking air to return However, it also cautioned that forecasts indicate winds may slow in the coming days, which could lead to a rise in pollution levels again. "The AQI in Delhi has shown significant improvement since last night, owing to high winds and favourable meteorological conditions, and was recorded at 271 ("Poor" category) on 24.12.2025. Air Quality forecast provided by IMD/IITM suggests an increase in AQI of Delhi due to slower winds in the coming days." AQI levels: All you need to know Under CPCB standards, AQI levels between 401-500 are classified as 'severe'; 301-400 as 'very poor'; between 201 and 300 is 'poor', while 101 to 200 is considered 'moderate'. Readings between 51 and 100 fall into the 'satisfactory' range, and below 50 are considered 'good'.

Delhi woke up to cleaner air on Christmas, with AQI dropping to around 221 from over 300 a day earlier. GRAP IV curbs were lifted as winds improved conditions, but authorities warned pollution could rise again as winds slow in coming days.

Delhi breathes a little easier: AQI improves to 221, remains in 'poor' category; GRAP IV revoked

Air pollution across the Delhi-National Capital Region, along with a spell of biting cold and dense fog, hampered normal life across north India as air quality stayed just below the “severe” mark on Sunday. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board shows Delhi’s Air Quality Index at 390 on Sunday, firmly remaining in the “very poor” range.&nbsp;Conditions were worsened at several monitoring stations, including Chandni Chowk, which emerged as one of the most polluted pockets with an AQI of 455, Wazirpur at 449, Bawana at 446, Rohini at 444 and Anand Vihar at 438.&nbsp;Neighbouring cities also reported alarming pollution levels. Gurugram and Noida posted AQIs of 354 and 352, respectively, while Ghaziabad stood at 334, all classified as very poor. Faridabad showed marginal relief but continued to record a “poor” AQI of 283.&nbsp;The increase in pollution coincided with the first cold wave of the season in the national capital, as Delhi experienced the coldest December day to date on Saturday, with the maximum temperature reaching 16.9 degrees Celsius, 5 degrees below normal.&nbsp;Meanwhile, several air travel services were disrupted due to weather disruptions. As per news agency PTI, at least flights were cancelled at the airport in Delhi on Saturday due to dense fog. On Sunday, flights were running smoothly at Delhi airport, officials said in an update on X.<h3>IMD issues ‘orange alert’&nbsp;</h3>The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for the capital and forecasted dense to very dense fog during the overnight and early morning hours on Sunday. In addition, Maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 23 degrees Celsius and 9 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa warned that an approaching western disturbance could aggravate both weather conditions and pollution levels. In a video statement, he said strict action would be taken against polluting units and violations of the construction ban, noting that complaints of continued construction activity had been received despite restrictions.

The increase in pollution coincided with the first cold wave of the season in the national capital, as Delhi experienced the coldest December day to date on Saturday, with the maximum temperature reaching 16.9 degrees Celsius, 5 degrees below normal.

Air pollution across the Delhi-National Capital Region, along with a spell of biting cold and dense fog, hampered normal life across north India as air quality stayed just below the “severe” mark on Sunday. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board shows Delhi’s Air Quality Index at 390 on Sunday, firmly remaining in the “very poor” range. Conditions were worsened at several monitoring stations, including Chandni Chowk, which emerged as one of the most polluted pockets with an AQI of 455, Wazirpur at 449, Bawana at 446, Rohini at 444 and Anand Vihar at 438. Neighbouring cities also reported alarming pollution levels. Gurugram and Noida posted AQIs of 354 and 352, respectively, while Ghaziabad stood at 334, all classified as very poor. Faridabad showed marginal relief but continued to record a “poor” AQI of 283. The increase in pollution coincided with the first cold wave of the season in the national capital, as Delhi experienced the coldest December day to date on Saturday, with the maximum temperature reaching 16.9 degrees Celsius, 5 degrees below normal. Meanwhile, several air travel services were disrupted due to weather disruptions. As per news agency PTI, at least flights were cancelled at the airport in Delhi on Saturday due to dense fog. On Sunday, flights were running smoothly at Delhi airport, officials said in an update on X. IMD issues ‘orange alert’ The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for the capital and forecasted dense to very dense fog during the overnight and early morning hours on Sunday. In addition, Maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 23 degrees Celsius and 9 degrees Celsius. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa warned that an approaching western disturbance could aggravate both weather conditions and pollution levels. In a video statement, he said strict action would be taken against polluting units and violations of the construction ban, noting that complaints of continued construction activity had been received despite restrictions.

The increase in pollution coincided with the first cold wave of the season in the national capital, as Delhi experienced the coldest December day to date on Saturday, with the maximum temperature reaching 16.9 degrees Celsius, 5 degrees below normal.

Cold wave, dense fog push Delhi air quality near ‘severe’ levels; IMD issues 'orange alert'

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Delhi breathes a little easier: AQI improves to 221, remains in 'poor' category; GRAP IV revoked

Cold wave, dense fog push Delhi air quality near ‘severe’ levels